In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, under the global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the PHINLA II Project proudly organized a Beach Clean-Up Program at Wattala Beach on June 5th. This meaningful initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Green Collectors Association of Ja-Ela and Wattala, bringing together dedicated community members, informal waste workers, and project stakeholders to take collective action against plastic pollution.
The event was more than just a clean-up; it was a community-driven effort to inspire behavioral change and promote sustainable waste management practices along Sri Lanka’s coastline. Members of the Green Collectors Association, who play a key role in the informal waste management sector, took the lead in cleaning the beach, and collecting large quantities of plastic and other non-biodegradable waste that threaten the marine ecosystem.
To strengthen the impact of the activity, Janathakshan project officers also conducted a short awareness session during the event. This session focused on:
The importance of waste segregation
Proper disposal practices to prevent recyclable materials from being mixed with general waste
The dangers of marine plastic pollution and its effects on biodiversity and human health
The awareness program highlighted the 3Rs, reduce, reuse, and recycle, and emphasized how small daily actions can lead to a significant positive impact when adopted collectively. Participants were encouraged to become champions of responsible waste management in their own neighborhoods.
This initiative under PHINLA II, co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and World Vision Germany, is part of a broader mission to empower communities and strengthen decentralized waste management systems in Sri Lanka. Through such efforts, the project aims to promote environmental responsibility, uplift informal waste workers, and build resilient, cleaner communities.
