Public urged to bring reusable bags to Colombo International Book Fair

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has issued a special public appeal urging all visitors attending the Colombo International Book Fair to carry eco-friendly, reusable cloth or paper bags when purchasing books and publications.

The annual book fair, hosted at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), is one of the largest literary events in South Asia, drawing massive daily crowds. In past editions, the extensive use of single-use polythene carrier bags has generated substantial plastic waste, complicating municipal waste handling.

The CEA noted that stalls and vendors have also been encouraged to adopt sustainable packaging practices. Authorities emphasized that collective civic responsibility is essential to preserve the environment and minimize non-biodegradable refuse during major national exhibitions.