Colombo, February 15, 2026 – A group of Sri Lankan environmental campaigners and activists is preparing to take fresh legal action against the Government, accusing authorities of failing to properly enforce laws and regulations aimed at reducing plastic pollution across the island.

Activists have raised concerns that ongoing plastic and microplastic contamination is harming coastal ecosystems, marine life and human health — a problem that scientists say has been worsening in Sri Lanka due to inadequate management of plastic waste and weak implementation of pollution-control measures.

Campaigners allege that current Government efforts fall short of legal requirements and international standards, and they plan to challenge officials in court to compel stronger action, systematic enforcement, and concrete steps to curb the surge of plastic pollution, especially along coastlines and waterways.

The legal move comes amid broader public concern over plastic contamination — including after the 2021 MV X-Press Pearl disaster released billions of plastic pellets into Sri Lankan waters — and growing calls from civil society for effective policy implementation, pollution prevention and accountability mechanisms.