CEA urges book fair visitors to ditch plastic for reusable bags

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has issued a public appeal ahead of the Colombo International Book Fair, asking attendees to bring their own reusable bags when purchasing books rather than relying on single-use plastics.

The fair, scheduled to open on September 25, typically draws large crowds of book enthusiasts and students. In previous years, visitors have commonly used disposable plastic bags—locally known as "sili sili" bags—to carry their purchases, contributing to substantial plastic waste.

By encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives, the CEA hopes to minimize the environmental footprint of the event while raising public awareness about responsible consumption practices. The move aligns with Sri Lanka's broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote circular economy principles.

The Colombo International Book Fair remains one of the country's major cultural events, attracting publishers, booksellers, and readers from across the island. The CEA's initiative represents a collaborative effort between environmental authorities and event organizers to make the fair more sustainable.