The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has launched its “Plastic-Free Sacred Zone 2030” programme, a five-year initiative aimed at transforming the Kataragama sacred city, temple precinct and the Menik Ganga area into a plastic-free zone by 2030.

The programme was launched in conjunction with the 2026 Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya Esala Perahera.

The initiative seeks to minimise plastic waste generated throughout the year, particularly during the annual pilgrimage season when hundreds of thousands of devotees visit Kataragama.

Under the programme, the CEA will conduct awareness campaigns targeting devotees, residents and traders, step up raids against the use of banned polythene and plastic products, promote environmentally friendly alternatives for religious offerings, introduce improved waste management methods and encourage the use of sustainable products in place of plastic items.

The authority is to work with several government and private sector institutions to implement the programme.

According to the CEA, a pilot version of the initiative was carried out over the past two years and yielded positive results, including the introduction of natural flower garlands instead of plastic garlands, the promotion of eco-friendly shopping bags, a reduction in waste generation and improved waste collection for recycling.

The programme also aims to prevent pollution caused by improper waste disposal in the Kataragama sacred city, temple premises and the Menik Ganga, while strengthening long-term environmental conservation efforts. (Newswire)

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