The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) of Sri Lanka says initiatives are being undertaken to support biodegradable polythene manufacturers.

Support will be offered in the form of tax concessions on imported equipment to be used in manufacturing biodegradable products and financial support to SMEs shifting from the production of polythene products to biodegradable products.

The move comes amid biodegradable polythene manufacturers stressing the need for tax relief due to the higher production costs of biodegradable products.

Manufacture of polythene and polythene products of less than 21 microns in thickness has been prohibited since 1 September 2017. Relevant steps were taken to reduce environmental damage such as accumulation in landfills, the blocking of drainage systems, animal deaths and the release of toxic gases when burnt.