The Ministry of Public Administration Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka has issued a new circular aimed at improving solid waste management practices across state institutions in Sri Lanka.
The circular has been directed to:
- Ministry Secretaries
- Provincial Chief Secretaries
- Heads of Departments
- Heads of Corporations and Statutory Boards
According to the directive, the purchase and use of single-use plastic water bottles in all government institutions must be completely discontinued from May 31 onward.
The circular further instructs heads of institutions to take all necessary steps to prevent the use of single-use plastics within their respective organizations.
Authorities stated that the new measures are intended to strengthen environmentally sustainable practices within the public sector.
The Ministry also noted that provisions outlined in the earlier Public Administration Circular issued on April 2, 2025, will continue to remain in force.
Accordingly, all state institutions are required to follow the “3R” waste management approach:
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle
The Ministry stated that the circular was issued with the concurrence of the Ministry of Environment Sri Lanka.
