Project “Green Sri Lanka,” an initiative by the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the Zero Plastic Movement of our university, marked a significant stride towards environmental conservation.
This project, focusing on the cleanup of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), one of Sri Lanka’s most visited pilgrimage sites and natural landmarks, took place on the 18th and 19th of May, 2024. Every year, Sri Pada attracts a multitude of devotees from various religions and cultures across the world. Despite its spiritual significance, this famous pilgrimage site also faces the huge threat of heavy plastic and polythene littering.
Therefore, in order to preserve this natural heritage and maintain its cleanliness, 18 dedicated volunteers came together to participate in this two-day cleanup initiative. Over the course of two days, the volunteers devoted their time and energy to cleaning up the trails and surroundings of Sri Pada.
On the morning of the 18th of May, volunteers assembled at a meeting point where the Rotaract Club conducted briefing sessions to ensure that all volunteers understood the safety protocols and their assigned tasks. The cleanup activities then commenced with volunteers divided into teams, each assigned to different areas along the Sri Pada trail.
During the cleanup activities, the members also engaged with pilgrims and visitors, raising awareness about responsible and mindful waste management. These interactions educated the public on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and minimizing their environmental impact.
After the successful cleanup, the Rotaract Club conducted a debriefing session where volunteers shared their experiences and provided feedback. The members and volunteers worked hard and collected a lot of waste. The collected polythene and plastics were given to the recycling companies, while the rest were properly disposed of.
This project not only provided an opportunity to preserve Sri Lanka’s natural heritage but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility among the participants and the community.
The collaborative efforts of the Rotaract Club and the Zero Plastic Movement have left a lasting impact on Sri Pada, and the project “Green Sri Lanka” stands as a shining example of how collective efforts and community engagement can drive significant positive change, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable environment.
