Environment Ministry Urges Sri Lankans to Ditch Single-Use Plastic Bottles

The Ministry of Environment has urged the public to reduce their reliance on single-use plastic water bottles and switch to reusable alternatives as part of ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution.

In a public message, the ministry said plastic bottles purchased for temporary convenience could remain in the environment for hundreds of years, causing long-term environmental damage.

The ministry encouraged people to carry reusable water bottles, including environmentally friendly glass bottles and other suitable alternatives, noting that changes in everyday habits could make a significant contribution to reducing plastic waste.

It said measures had already been introduced to limit the purchase and use of single-use plastic water bottles across state institutions.

A special circular issued through the intervention of the Environment Ministry came into effect on May 31, 2026, directing state institutions to minimise the purchase and use of such bottles.

The ministry said programmes aimed at reducing the use of plastic and polythene were also continuing across government institutions, in line with commitments made on World Environment Day 2025.

It added that arrangements were being made under amended environmental legislation to introduce nationwide plastic-reduction initiatives in cooperation with industries.

However, the ministry stressed that regulations alone would not be enough to tackle the issue and called for greater changes in individual behaviour.

“Real change begins with shifting our daily habits,” the ministry said, urging people to take a simple first step by carrying their own reusable water bottles when leaving home.

The ministry said reducing dependence on single-use plastics was essential to creating a cleaner and greener environment for future generations.