This timely decision is expected to implement with immediate effect through short term, med term and long term measures recommended by the committee of intellectuals appointed in this regard.

 
Under the short term measures, use of polythene for decorations in all events, sale, importation and production of lunch sheets, containers, plates, cups, spoons made of polystyrene, sale of processed or cooked meals packed in polythene containers, and burning polythene and plastic in open places will be prohibited,  prevailing regulations for prohibition of use, sale and production of polythene equals or less than 20 microns will be implemented, use of polythene less than 20 microns for essential activities will be permitted only on the approval of Central Environmental Authority,  providing of paper, cloth or reed bags or biologically degradable plastics for customers when purchasing goods in stores will be promoted, and biologically degradable polythene and plastics will be introduced and promoted.

 
In addition, provision of tax concessions in importation of machinery used in biologically degradable plastic productions and imposing a cess tax of 15% on the importation of plastic row material and goods will be implemented as mid-term measures while completely prohibition of recycled plastic products will be implemented as a long term measure.

Accordingly, the proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena in his capacity as the Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment in this regard, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers yesterday (11th July).