Addressing an awareness program on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative held yesterday (11) in Colombo, the Minister said Sri Lankan society previously used environmentally friendly packaging such as rush bags (Pan Malu) and other natural materials.
“While our society once used packaging made of natural materials, the shift towards heavy plastic usage over the last few decades has plunged us into a major environmental and health crisis,” he said.
The Minister also warned that the long-term death toll caused by plastic-related environmental damage could potentially exceed fatalities caused by wars or noncommunicable diseases.
He stressed the need for a system change involving stronger institutional coordination, responsible manufacturing, and a shift in public attitudes to address the plastic crisis.
