The Ministry of Environment is collaborating with the private sector to promote the use of cloth bags as a sustainable alternative to polythene, a major environmental concern during the Sri Pada pilgrimage season.
This initiative forms part of the government’s plan to make the Sri Pada peak a polythene-free zone.
Deputy Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody, stated that private sector sponsors have stepped forward to provide cloth bags for pilgrims, replacing polythene bags commonly used during the pilgrimage.
Speaking to media representatives on Monday (29), the ministry also sought the media’s support to raise awareness about environmental precautions during the pilgrimage.
With over 100 tonnes of plastic waste generated at the Sri Pada site annually, additional measures include banning sub-litre water bottles and installing water facilities at the peak.
The initiative aims to protect the Sri Pada ecosystem throughout the current six-month pilgrimage season.
