Sri Lanka has decided to ban three wheelers with two stroke engines and polythene in order to save the country’s environment. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Sri Lanka has given a grace period of three months; after this, the government would come down hard on polythene sellers and producers. I am quoting from the report published in Asian Tribune:
Using polythene has become very popular in Sri Lanka during the past two decades and the 'magical' wrapper replaced the traditional eco-friendly wrappers fast. However, the 'God sent carrier' soon became a menace damaging the environment and causing lots of environmental problems.
The main culprit for clogged drains during the rainy season is still the polythene.New laws have been brought in from January 1 mainly to ban the use of polythene products below 20 microns. Under these regulations sili sili bags, lunch sheets and other polythene wrappers and bags below micron 20 will be illegal to use.
Earlier, in a press conference held in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s Natural Resources Minister, Maitripala Sirisena said that the regulations were brought because of the high usage of polythene. He also said that in the next three months they would teach people about the bad effects of polythene. Siripala said that under the new law, polythene producers, sellers and users who violate the law would be imprisoned for two years or subjected to a fine of Rs. 2,000 or both.
From next year, Sri Lankan government would restrict the import of three wheel taxis with two stroke engines and from 2011 it will be banned entirely in the country. Around 280,000 two-stroke auto rickshaws are running in Sri Lanka at present and 40,000 are adding to that number every year. Sri Lanka’s Media Minister, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, in a cabinet press briefing said that the decision has been taken for the betterment of public health and improve the air quality. He added that particulate matters found in the air of Colombo have exceeded 50 micrograms per cubic meter which is above the standard set by World Health Organization.
On the other hand, Bajaj Auto that exports three wheelers to Sri Lanka said that Sri Lankan government’s new decision would not affect the company revenue. Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto said that the government should focus on setting the norms. It should not ban the technology. He also mentioned that his company will export four stroke engines according to the new laws of Sri Lanka.
It is true that two stroke engines cause major air pollution and polythene clogs drains and sewerage. Because of the adverse effects, these two have been banned from many countries. I hope Sri Lankan government become successful in its effort.
Related articles:
Asian Tribune
Lanka Newspapers.Com
Lanka Business Online
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