The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy has been declared a polythene-free and plastic-free zone, effective today (14).
The decision was announced earlier this morning (14), under the advisement of the Asgiri and Malwathu chapters’ Maha Sangha and the direction of the Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils, Faiszer Musthapha.
Accordingly, recyclable materials will be introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims who are presently in the habit of carrying plastic and polythene into the temple premises.
Meanwhile, polythene manufacturers and the Recyclers’ Association complained that the polythene ban had put industries in a difficult situation.
Vice-President of the Recyclers’ Association, Sisira Jayalath said that the Government had not held any discussions with the Association before implementing the ban.
He stated this upon taking part in a press conference in Kandy.
