Sri Lanka, Sept. 15 -- Traders cannot provide "sili-sili" polythene bags free of charge to consumers when selling goods, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said.

The CAA said the requirement is contained in Direction No. 95, published under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2456/41 on October 1, 2025, which came into effect on November 1, 2025.

The Direction applies to bags made of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) or Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) with handles, commonly known as "sili-sili" bags.

If a trader provides such a bag, a price must be charged, and the price must be prominently displayed at the business premises. The amount charged must also be separately stated on the consumer's bill.

The CAA advised traders to maintain p...