Sri Lanka, Dec. 31 -- The use of plastic shopping bags has dropped by 50 percent after the government banned their free distribution, Environment Deputy Minister Anton Jayakodi said.

He made these remarks at a meeting held at the Central Environment Authority (CEA) to discuss steps to create a zero-plastic environment during the Sri Pada pilgrimage season.

The Deputy Minister said more than 100 tonnes of plastic waste are left behind in the Sri Pada area each year.

The Sri Pada pilgrimage season begins in December and continues for about six months.

During this period, large amounts of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste are discarded by pilgrims and others, causing serious damage to the environment.

The Deputy Minister has als...