Bridging the Legal Gaps in Plastic Waste Governance in Sri Lanka’s Regulatory Framework

Abstract

Despite regulatory bans and widespread awareness campaigns, plastic bags remain in heavy use across Sri Lanka. This study investigated the usage patterns, environmental awareness and adoption of alternatives among adults over 30 in the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kalutara and Hambantota. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 respondents, complemented by expert inputs and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that 26% of participants use plastic bags daily and 36% use them 1–2 times per week, with the highest dependence among the 40–59 age group. Further, the 60–69 age group reported lower dependency and higher eco-consciousness. While 88% of respondents acknowledged marine and wildlife risks and 83.8% recognized microplastic-related health hazards, yet this awareness did not consistently translate into reduced use. Encouragingly, 85% supported investing in reusable alternatives and over 70% favored policy measures such as discounts and bans. By addressing this gap, the study highlights the mismatch between awareness and practice among older Sri Lankan consumers, pointing that awareness alone is insufficient for behavioral change; instead, a combined strategy of accessible alternatives, incentive-driven interventions and policy enforcement are needed to reduce plastic bag dependency and encourage sustainable consumer practices in Sri Lanka.