Jan 28, Colombo: Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Environment says that more than 600 million plastic spoons are thrown into the environment in Sri Lanka every year.

At least 50 million plastic spoons a month are released into the environment after single use, the Minister said.

At present, the Ministry of Environment has taken steps to remove single-use disposable products made of plastic and polythene from use in the country. All of these products contribute to pollution and have a strong impact on environment.

These include sachets, non-perishable lunch sheets, string hopper plates, plastic spoons, food containers, cotton buds with plastic hooks, garlands made of plastic and polythene, inflatable toys, plastic spoons and drinking straws and stirrers.

Currently, the State Ministry of Cane, Brass, Clay and Wood Industries have launched a locally made materials promotion program. Accordingly, a discussion was held at the Ministry of Environment recently regarding the launch of a joint program between the Ministry of Environment and the State Ministry of Cane, Brass, Clay and Wood Industries.