The Environment Ministry will commence vocational training programmes to encourage Sri Lankan manufacturers to make environment friendly items including brooms, ekel brooms , bags , tooth brushes, plates, cups and saucers, meal boxes, food wrapping sheets, spoons, straws ,string hopper plates and similar items using local raw materials.
The decision was taken by the Ministry following a survey that revealed that a large number of these items are currently made by local manufacturers using plastic and polythene sheets which harm the environment.
Accordingly, wood, ekels, coconut shells and coir, banana and lotus leaves, the trunk of bamboo trees and reed, barks of trees, newsprint and card board are suggested by the Environment Ministry to manufacture perishable items from local raw materials which are freely available in the country.
Speaking to Daily News, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said a study has revealed that manufacturing such items using local raw materials could bring a lasting solution to create a polythene and plastic free environment in the country since they easily degrade within a short period after using without causing any kind of health hazards to humans, animals and other fauna and flora.
The Minister said although steps were taken to encourage people to use environmentally friendly locally made items even in the past, only few in the society properly followed these instructions.
“As a result of this, various diseases and viruses spread among humans and animals in society and also become a threat to the most important marine life,” he said.
The Minister further said that even in the past many ordinary hotels, star class hotels and cafes in the country were in the habit of using banana leaves and lotus leaves (nelum kola) to serve meals and questioned as to why our hoteliers cannot use the same raw materials in their hotels and restaurants even now since it will not only protect the environment but also help thousands of people earn an additional income.
Minister Amaraweera further said if everybody follows these instructions from now it will be very useful to create a healthy environment in the country.
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