Appreciating Public Administration Circular 09/2025 & Demanding an End to Procurement of Single-Use Plastics
The Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has issued Public Administration Circular 09/2025, instructing all government institutions to take immediate steps to reduce plastic consumption in their offices. This circular encourages alternative and eco-friendly practices, including promoting the use of biodegradable food wrappers or reusable lunch boxes, reducing the distribution of plastic water bottles at meetings, workshops, and conferences, minimizing the use of plastic bottles and food wrappers in government canteens, and adopting environmentally friendly materials for banners and boards at government events.
The ZeroPlastic Movement fully supports this initiative and appreciates the government’s recognition of the urgent need to address plastic pollution. However, despite this positive step, many government offices continue to provide single-use PET water bottles at official events and gatherings.
We call on the government to take stronger action by cutting budgets for single-use plastic procurement in public institutions. This includes stopping the purchase of PET water bottles, plastic-packaged soft drinks, and Tetra Pak beverage containers. Procurement policies must align with the principles of sustainability, ensuring that public funds are not used to contribute to plastic waste.
To support this circular, the ZeroPlastic Movement is mobilizing its nationwide network of Zero Plastic Clubs to raise awareness and ensure full implementation across all government institutions. We urge all departments to take immediate steps to eliminate single-use plastic from their operations and set a national example for responsible environmental stewardship.
Government offices must lead by example in creating a plastic-free future.
Zero Plastic Movement
Download
Public Administration Circular 09/2025
https://pubad.gov.lk/web/images/circulars/2025/E/1743740920-09-2025-e.pdf
https://pubad.gov.lk/web/images/circulars/2025/S/1743740921-09-2025-s.pdf