TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SRI LANKA: LESSONS FROM RWANDA FOR ADDRESSING POSTCONSUMER PLASTIC PACKAGING

Abstract

The proliferation of post-consumer plastic packaging (P.C.P.P.) waste in Sri Lanka has escalated into a pressing environmental, economic, and social concern. This article examines the current practices and regulatory gaps in plastic waste management, focusing on the responsibilities of manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. Drawing on global practices and local challenges, the study highlights the critical need for comprehensive legal frameworks to enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), improve recycling systems, and curb the unsustainable life cycle of plastic packaging. The research employed a qualitative doctrinal methodology, analysing laws, regulations, policies, and literature through descriptive comparative analysis Recommendations emphasize the role of policy, regulation, and infrastructure in fostering a circular economy.