Speaking, Director of the Environment Conservation Trust, Sajeewa Chamikara says that exposing tonnes of untreated polythene used for election campaigning decorations and burning them afterwards releases poisonous gases including dioxins to the atmosphere.

Also, much of the paint used in banners and cutouts too, use metal based paints and releasing them to the environment untreated would lead to exposure of metal toxins and pose a risk of them mixing with soil water.

All these could lead to health risks, including cancer, the ECT Director added.

The majority of cutouts displayed for the presidential election can be seen in the urban areas of Kurunegala, Matara, Galle, Hambantota and Western Province.
Most of these are part of the campaign of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.