Traders Cannot Provide “Sili-Sili” Bags Free of Charge

Traders in Sri Lanka are not permitted to provide “sili-sili” bags free of charge to consumers when selling goods, under Direction No. 95 published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2456/41 dated October 1, 2025.

The direction applies to bags made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) that are used to carry goods purchased by consumers. It came into effect on November 1, 2025.

Under the regulation, traders who provide such bags must charge a price for each bag and clearly display the price at their business premises. The amount charged must also be separately stated on the consumer’s bill.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has advised traders to comply with the requirement and maintain purchase bills, invoices and relevant supplier information for the bags obtained for their businesses.

Consumers have also been advised to check whether the bag price is clearly displayed at the premises and whether the amount charged is included on their bill.

The CAA said legal action will be taken against traders who violate Direction No. 95.

The authority has further encouraged consumers to use reusable bags whenever possible as part of efforts to reduce unnecessary polythene use.