COLOMBO, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya, located in central Sri Lanka was declared a polythene free zone from Friday to protect the biodiversity of the area and boost tourism, local media reported.

The decision was made by Sri Lanka's Minister of Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Sajith Premadasa.

Sigiriya Project Manager, Major N. Nishantha told local media that the use of polythene had not only harmed the environment and animals but had also affected tourism in the area as it destroyed its beauty.

He said following the government's decision, security personnel will check the belongings of all local and foreign tourists and all polythene or plastic materials carried by them will be taken and returned back when the visitors are leaving the area.

Nishantha further explained that visitors who carry water bottles will have to carry it without the plastic bottle cap.

Food will also be restricted to prevent tourists feeding animals who frequent the area.

One of Asia's major archaeological site, Sigiriya is visited by thousands of visitors per year and is a major tourist attraction.