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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #169

Sri Lanka

No comprehensive ban. Blue asbestos (crocidolite) banned since 1997, but chrysotile remains legal. Sri Lanka has one of the highest per-capita chrysotile consumption rates globally — over 200,000 metric tonnes consumed between 2012-2016. A planned phase-out starting January 2018 with full ban by 2024 was derailed when Russia threatened to embargo all Sri Lankan tea imports in retaliation. 11% of Sri Lanka's tea exports go to Russia.

—No Ban
—
No ban in place
—
Mesothelioma Rate
—
Data not available
1970s-present
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 1990s

    1. 1997Legislation

      Blue asbestos (crocidolite) banned in Sri Lanka; white asbestos (chrysotile) remains legal for auto and construction industries

      ↗ Source

  2. 2010s

    1. 2018Event

      Planned asbestos phase-out starting January 1 derailed when Russia threatens to embargo Sri Lankan tea imports in retaliation; ban deferred until further notice

      ↗ Source
    2. 2019Event

      Study reveals prevalence of asbestos-related diseases among Sri Lankan workers exposed through construction and manufacturing

      ↗ Source

  3. 2020s

    1. 2024Event

      Asian Ban Asbestos Network (ABAN) holds South Asia Strategy Meeting in Colombo; experts warn asbestos remains a 'silent threat Sri Lanka can no longer ignore'

      ↗ Source

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

asbestos-cement roofing sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement flat sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

brake linings

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–2000

asbestos-cement water pipes

MODERATENon-friable

1930–1990

↗Learn more

What To Do If You Live Here

  • Asbestos is still legally used in your country.
  • New and older construction alike may contain asbestos-containing materials.
  • Consult a certified professional before any renovation work.
  • Advocate for stronger asbestos regulations in your region.

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Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.

How we source our data →