Sri Lanka, July 15 -- The Sri Lanka Environmental Action Network (SLEAN) has urged the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to strengthen enforcement of the plastic shopping bag charge, saying inconsistent implementation by supermarkets, retail stores and small businesses is undermining the policy's effectiveness.

In a statement, SLEAN welcomed the CEA's efforts to reduce plastic pollution through the plastic bag charge but noted that many businesses continue to provide plastic bags free of charge or apply the fee inconsistently.

The organization called on the CEA to strengthen monitoring and enforcement, carry out regular inspections and take action against businesses that fail to comply with the policy.

SLEAN also urged the CEA to ...