A protest by polythene producers has hampered traffic around the Colombo Fort area.

The polythene producers are protesting the ban on polythene products that comes into effect on September 1.

On July 12, the Central Environment Authority (CEA) banned the use, production, import and sale of polythene lunch sheet, shopping bags, and styrofoam items.

The move came in conjunction with a proposal by the President  - in his capacity as the Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment – to introduce a series of short-term, medium-term and long-term to minimize the impact of polythene on the environment.