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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Tuesday, 7 October 2025

10th Parliament· 18 debates· 193 speeches· 61 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22573 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  5. 5 Oral question Oral Question: Use of Plastic and Polythene - Minimization (Q.1/2025) 8 speeches
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to provide information on the number of plastic manufacturing factories in Sri Lanka and annual production volumes of plastic and polythene. He also sought details on measures to reduce plastic and polythene use and whether the Government has considered the quality of plastic food packaging intended for young children.

      Environment Full speech →
    • Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister stated that 158 plastic and polythene manufacturing factories are registered under the Industrial Promotion Act, while CEA data records 780 licensed polymer-based product manufacturers as of 30 June 2025. He said separate national production data are not yet compiled, but a JICA-supported CEA system to track plastic imports, environmental releases and recycling volumes is planned for operation in 2026. He outlined existing CEA bans and controls on various polythene and single-use plastic products, and said inter-agency work is under way to strengthen standards for plastic water bottles, food containers and infant milk bottles, including controls on BPA and phthalates.

      Environment Full speech →
    • Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri highlighted Sri Lanka’s high annual plastic consumption and stated that single-use plastic and polythene account for about 70 per cent of total use. Citing monthly usage figures for yoghurt cups, lunch sheets, and polythene bags, he asked the Ministry what specific measures have been taken to reduce single-use polythene.

      Environment Full speech →
    • Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Industry Ministry’s role is focused on production, while consumer protection and environmental regulation fall to the CAA and the Environment Ministry. He acknowledged weaknesses in enforcement and said the Government is tightening regulation of products, markets, manufacturers, and imports, noting concerns about the quality of some imported goods. He also outlined proposals to reduce packaging through alternative materials, selective bans, changes in consumer behaviour, and mechanisms for producers to bear recycling costs.

      Public FinanceEnvironmentCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that Sri Lanka currently has only one glass bottle manufacturer and said the Government has urged it to expand while also inviting new investors into the sector. He said the Ministry is prepared to facilitate such investments with credit and other support, given growing demand for alternatives to polythene and plastic. He also highlighted priority support for recycling initiatives, including facilities in industrial parks for businesses using recovered glass bottles and other recyclable materials.

      EnvironmentEmployment Full speech →
    • Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri asked whether the Ministry has taken action to reduce microplastics, noting that they are particles under 5 mm that can break down into nanoplastics and are present in products such as toothpaste and cosmetics. He linked their environmental spread to concerns about rising chronic diseases, including cancers, particularly in areas such as Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province.

      EnvironmentHealthcare Full speech →
    • Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary Hon. Sunil Handunnetti stated that recycling and collection efforts require a whole-of-society approach rather than action by a single Ministry. He noted that private entities are already involved and said that, under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, inter-agency coordination is underway. He undertook to refer the proposal to the Advisory Committee and prepare an action plan.

      Public FinanceEnvironment Full speech →