Effective date : 05.06.2025
1.Introduction
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most critical environmental issues confronting Sri Lanka today. The rapid increase in the production and consumption of plastic, particularly single- use plastics has led to widespread environmental degradation across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. In urban areas, discarded plastic often clogs drains and waterways, leading to increased flooding and public health risks. In rural and coastal regions, plastic waste disrupts agricultural productivity, threatens wildlife, and contaminates soil and water sources. The non- biodegradable nature of most plastics means they persist in the environment for centuries, breaking down into microplastics that further infiltrate food chains and human health systems.
Sri Lanka, like many developing nations, faces the dual challenge of managing rapid development while safeguarding its natural resources. The country’s commitment to sustainable development is reflected in national policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Within this framework, educational institutions have a vital role to play not only as centers of knowledge generation but also as agents of behavioral change and environmental leadership.
Recognizing the urgent need to curb plastic dependency and take proactive steps toward sustainability, the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) has adopted a comprehensive Plastic- Free Policy. This initiative is a cornerstone of the university’s broader Green Policy framework, aimed at integrating environmental stewardship into the heart of institutional operations. As a pioneering move in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, the policy reflects OUSL’s dedication to promoting sustainable practices through innovation, education, and collective action.
By embedding plastic-free principles into campus operations, procurement systems, student engagement, and academic activities, OUSL sets a precedent for environmentally responsible governance. The university acknowledges that addressing plastic pollution requires a holistic and collaborative approach that inspires students, staff, and society at large to rethink consumption patterns and prioritize ecological integrity. Through this policy, OUSL not only strives to minimize its ecological footprint but also aims to become a national role model in environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
Policy Goal
To eliminate the use of unnecessary plastics at the Open University of Sri Lanka and transition to environmentally responsible, reusable, and sustainable alternatives across all university operations, facilities, events, and academic activities.
Objectives
- Reduce and eliminate single-use plastics across all regional and study centers.
- Promote environmentally friendly alternatives such as reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable materials.
- Foster a culture of plastic-free living among students, academic, non-academic, administrative, and other staff members of the OUSL.
- Support national and international goals for plastic reduction and zero-waste management.
2.Policy Principles
The Plastic-Free Policy of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is guided by a set of core principles that reflect the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability, responsible consumption, and institutional accountability. These principles ensure that the policy is practical, inclusive, and aligned with national and global sustainability goals.
2.1. Environmental Responsibility
OUSL recognizes its duty to minimize its ecological footprint and promote sustainable practices. The policy is rooted in the belief that reducing plastic use is essential to preserving ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating pollution across Sri Lanka.
2.2.Prevention and Reduction at Source
The policy emphasizes proactive measures to prevent the use of plastics rather than merely managing plastic waste. By reducing plastic use at the source, especially single-use items the university seeks to achieve long-term, sustainable change.
2.3.Sustainable Alternatives and Innovation
OUSL commits to encouraging and adopting sustainable alternatives to plastic products. The university will promote the use of biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, or reusable materials across all its campuses and procurement systems.
2.4.Education and Awareness
Recognizing that lasting change requires informed communities, OUSL integrates environmental education into academic and extracurricular programs under plastic-free theme. Students, staff, and stakeholders will be educated on the impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable practices.
2.5.Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusivity
The policy is designed to include all members of the university community. OUSL promotes a participatory approach, encouraging collaboration among students, faculty, non-academic staff, vendors, and external partners to implement and support plastic-free initiatives.
2.6.Compliance and Institutional Integration
Plastic-free practices will be embedded into the university’s operational procedures, procurement policies, event planning, and campus life. Compliance will be monitored through regular assessments and policy reviews to ensure continuous improvement.
2.7.Leadership and National Contribution
As a leading institution in higher education, the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) strives to serve as a role model for other educational and public institutions. This policy supports Sri Lanka’s national strategies for sustainable development and contributes to the “Less Plastic” movement by promoting efforts to reduce plastic pollution across universities, government entities, and the private sector.
3.Policy Statement
The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is committed to eliminating the use of unnecessary single-use plastics across all its reginal and study centers as part of its dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible institutional practices. In alignment with its Green Policy framework and national sustainability objectives, the university adopts this Plastic-Free Policy to significantly reduce plastic dependency, promote eco-friendly alternatives, and inspire behavioral change within the university community.
This policy applies to all university operations, including administration, teaching, research, student activities, and procurement. It seeks to foster a plastic-free culture by embedding sustainability into campus life and daily practices, encouraging innovation in waste reduction, and ensuring that OUSL leads by example in the national effort to combat plastic pollution.
Through this policy, OUSL pledges to:
- Prohibit the use of specified single-use plastic items on campus.
- Promote reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable alternatives.
- Integrate plastic-free principles into procurement and event management.
- Educate and engage students, staff, and stakeholders on the importance of reducing plastic waste.
- Monitor implementation and regularly review the policy for continuous improvement.
OUSL envisions a cleaner, healthier environment and a sustainable future for all, beginning with its actions and influence as a center of education and leadership
4.Policy Strategies
4.1.Elimination of Single-Use Plastics
- Ban the use of single-layer plastic cups, straws, stirrers, and spoons, especially in university canteens and events.
- Discourage the use of lunch sheets by encouraging students and staff to bring their own reusable lunch boxes and containers and for dine-in provided canteen biodegradable or reusable plates.
- Prohibit the use of plastic water bottles at university meetings, workshops, conferences and events; instead, promote the use of glass bottles or water dispensers.
- Avoid the use of plastic wrapping and decorations during university events or functions.
- Refrain from facilitating the reimbursement of expenses related to the purchase of single- use plastic items for university events.
4.2.Alternatives and Sustainable Practices
- Encourage the use of biodegradable or reusable utensils, glass cups, plates, and takeaway containers in canteens and cafeterias.
- Promote the use of cloth bags or other sustainable packaging for any university-related activities.
- Encourage departments and units to procure office supplies and consumables with minimal or no plastic packaging.
4.3.Waste Management and Recycling
- Adhere to all government policy frameworks related to plastic waste management.
- Install clearly labeled plastic recycling bins throughout the university premises, including study centers and canteens.
- Collaborate with certified recycling companies and local government-authorized recyclers to ensure the responsible disposal of collected plastic waste.
- Display informational posters and signage to guide students and staff on proper waste separation practices.
- Prohibit the burning of plastic waste within the OUSL premises.
4.4.Awareness and Education
- Conduct awareness programs, workshops, and campaigns for students and staff on the impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of plastic-free practices.
- Integrate topics such as plastic pollution, waste management, and sustainability into academic curricula and student-led initiatives.
- Celebrate annual events through plastic-free challenges, awareness campaigns, and related workshops, programs, and conferences.
- Display signboards promoting the goal of a “Plastic-Free OUSL”
- Declare March as a “Plastic-Free Month” at OUSL and organize related conferences and workshops to promote sustainable practices.
4.5.Implementation and Monitoring
- The Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD) and university green committee will serve as the lead parties responsible for implementing and monitoring the policy.
- Regular audits will be conducted to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.
- These practices will be uniformly implemented across all 9 regional centers and study centers of the Open University of Sri Lanka, ensuring consistent adherence to plastic-free initiatives across the institution.
- Directors of regional and study centers must ensure the proper and consistent implementation of the policy.
- The Public Health Inspector (PHI) of OUSL play a key role in coordinating with canteens, conference organizers, and other parties to enforce plastic-free guidelines.
- The student unions will also play a supportive role in reducing the use of plastics by promoting responsible and sustainable disposal practices among students.
4.6.Enforcement and Compliance
- All canteen vendors and suppliers must comply with the university’s Plastic-Free Guidelines. Contracts may be subject to review and penalties for non-compliance.
- Staff and students are expected to adhere to this policy and report non-compliant practices to the relevant authorities.
- The university will support and recognize departments and individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to plastic-free practices.
4.7.Roles, Responsibilities, and Delegations
To ensure the effective implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of the Plastic-Free Policy, the following roles and responsibilities are defined:
- University Green Committee
- Provide leadership and strategic direction for the plastic-free initiative.
- Coordinate with all relevant units, including CESSD, faculties, and administrative bodies.
- Review progress updates and recommend institutional improvements and policy enhancements.
- Monitor overall campus-wide compliance and guide the alignment of sustainability practices.
- Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD)
- Serve as the central coordinating body for policy implementation and oversight.
- Develop operational guidelines, monitoring tools, and compliance mechanisms.
- Organize awareness and capacity-building programs for staff, students, and vendors, and organize international or national conferences and workshops to support these efforts.
- Prepare annual progress reports for the university green committee.
- Regional and Study Center Directors
- Ensure full compliance with the Plastic-Free Policy at all regional and study centers.
- Act as Coordinators for center-level implementation.
- Coordinate local engagement with municipal recycling authorities and approved vendors.
- Monitor day-to-day adherence to policy guidelines and report non-compliance to CESSD.
- Conduct awareness activities and liaise with students, staff, and vendors.
- Procurement Division
- Incorporate plastic-free criteria in all procurement and supply chain operations.
- Ensure suppliers and contractors comply with sustainable product and packaging guidelines.
- Maintain documentation on procurement practices aligned with the policy.
- Canteen Vendors and Service Providers
- Comply strictly with plastic-free operating requirements and terms of service agreements.
- Provide alternative, reusable, or biodegradable utensils, containers, and packaging.
- Facilitate proper waste segregation and cooperate with university waste management protocols.
- Academic and Non-Academic Staff
- Lead by example by minimizing plastic use in all university-related activities.
- Support the integration of sustainability themes in teaching, research, and events.
- Students and Student Unions
- Comply with plastic-free guidelines within campus premises.
- Promote peer awareness and organize sustainability-oriented initiatives and campaigns.
- Public Health Inspector (PHI) of OUSL
- Monitor hygiene and plastic-free compliance in university canteens, events, and service areas.
- Collaborate with vendors and organizers to enforce plastic-free standards and provide guidance.
- Support awareness efforts related to health and environmental impacts of plastic use.
- Less Plastic Movement
- Act as a student and staff-driven campaign to promote sustainable, low-plastic lifestyles on university and outside of the university.
- Collaborate with universities, government institutes, and privet sector to organize events, challenges, and awareness campaigns.
- Advocate for innovative, community-led solutions to reduce plastic use and improve sustainability.
- University Administration
- Provide strategic oversight, policy endorsement, and resource allocation for effective implementation.
- Review progress reports and recommend revisions or reinforcements to the policy as required.
5.Policy Impact and Innovation
This policy:
- Significantly reduces the university’s plastic footprint.
- Serves as a replicable model for other universities.
- Empower youth to engage in sustainability and environmental protection.
- Enhances Sri Lanka’s national strategy on plastic waste reduction.
This Plastic-Free Policy of the OUSL highlights the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability and institutional responsible governance. With the reduction of the use of plastics, OUSL seeks to lead by example in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector and contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.