Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe yesterday announced that it would be mandatory for manufacturers to obtain Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification for plastic feeding bottles, lunch boxes and water bottles used by schoolchildren with effect from April 1, 2026.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, the Minister said the sale of products that failed to comply with the stipulated standards would be prohibited.
He pointed out that while such products are now available at varying prices, many carry neither the SLS mark nor clear information on their safety. Research conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority has indicated that some currently available products contain carcinogenic substances.
In response, the Ministry has decided to ban the manufacture and sale of substandard plastic products used to store food and liquids. “From April 1, 2026, obtaining SLS certification for these items will be mandatory,” Samarasinghe said.
by Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon 