Sri Lanka is advancing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives to hold manufacturers and importers accountable for the full lifecycle of plastic products. These efforts aim to improve packaging design and establish take-back systems. The Central Environmental Authority has announced plans to introduce legislation requiring companies that use plastic packaging and bottles to collect them after use, supporting the development of a closed-loop plastic waste management system.
The Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging (SLIP) is promoting sustainable practices in the packaging industry through innovation and environmentally responsible policies. These efforts are supported by government-backed tax incentives and subsidies, particularly for hotels adopting eco-friendly practices. In collaboration with Clean Sri Lanka, SLIP conducts targeted awareness programs focused on sustainable packaging. These initiatives align with national environmental goals and help bridge the gap between policy and implementation, strengthening environmental stewardship and supporting Sri Lanka’s transition to a circular economy.
Nationwide awareness campaigns are essential to shift public attitudes and behaviors around plastic use. The Environmental Education and Awareness Unit plays a key role in engaging schools and communities to promote responsible consumption.
The National Environmental Act, under Section 31, outlines penalties for violations of waste management provisions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to proper waste handling and serving as a deterrent to non-compliance. However, local authorities often face challenges in fulfilling their waste management responsibilities due to limited resources and institutional capacity.
The National Plastic Waste Inventory is a critical tool for informed decision-making. It enables national and local governments to monitor trends, assess policy effectiveness, and track progress in implementing action plans. The National Action Plan on Plastic Waste Management (2021–2030) provides a strategic framework to address plastic waste, build stakeholder consensus, and foster ownership of the action plan.
Transitioning to a circular economy for plastics offers a sustainable path forward. This approach calls for rethinking how plastics are designed, manufactured, consumed, and reused. Achieving this transition requires collaboration across the plastic value chain, including government, industry, consumers, and innovators, while ensuring social equity and leaving no one behind.