Sri Lanka, March 31 -- The ban on the use of specific polythene & plastic items, mentioned in a gazette issued by the Ministry of Environment on the 21st of January this year, will be in effect from today (March 31).

Accordingly, the use of following items has been banned in this manner:

* Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material for packing agrochemicals for any process, trade or industry

* Sachets having less than or equal to a net volume of 20ml/ net weight of 20g (except for packing food and medicines)

* Inflatable toys (except balloons, balls, water floating/pool toys, and water sports gear)

* Cotton buds with plastic stems (except plastic cotton buds used for medical/clinical treatment)

In a recent...