From Left to Right: Mr. Chehara Harith, Ms. Sewwandi Wijerathne, Ms. Dilumi Gunarathne, Mr. Yasantha Gunarathna (Director – Sisili Hanaro EnCare) , DIG Police (Gampaha Division), Mr. Udaya Abeysekera (Chairman – Sisili Projects Consortium), Mr. Asela Iddawela (President – IEPSL), Dr. Susantha Udagedara, Dr. Nilanka Weerasinghe
In celebration of World Ocean Day 2026, the Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka (IEPSL) participated in a beach clean-up programme organized by EnCare, the environmental engineering and waste management subsidiary of the Sisili Projects Consortium. The programme was held at Negombo Beach on 8 June 2026, bringing together individuals and institutions united by a common commitment to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s coastal and marine environment.
The initiative attracted a diverse and enthusiastic group of participants, including representatives of the Sri Lanka Police, school students from the Negombo area, environmental professionals, community volunteers, and other concerned citizens. Their collective participation reflected a strong spirit of environmental responsibility and demonstrated the value of collaboration among public institutions, private-sector organizations, professional bodies, schools, and local communities.
Sri Lanka’s oceans and coastal ecosystems are among the nation’s most valuable natural assets. They sustain biodiversity, support fisheries and tourism, provide livelihoods to coastal communities, regulate the climate, and contribute significantly to the country’s social and economic well-being. However, these fragile ecosystems are increasingly threatened by plastic waste, improperly discarded materials, untreated waste, and other forms of marine pollution.
The Negombo Beach clean-up therefore served not only as a practical effort to remove litter from the shoreline, but also as a meaningful platform for environmental education and public awareness. Through the collective removal and responsible handling of marine debris, participants contributed towards improving the cleanliness and ecological health of the coastal environment. More importantly, the programme highlighted the urgent need to reduce waste generation, prevent litter from entering waterways, promote responsible consumption, and strengthen sustainable waste management practices.
The active involvement of school students added particular significance to the programme. By engaging young people in hands-on environmental activities, initiatives of this nature help nurture a deeper appreciation of nature and encourage environmentally responsible behaviour from an early age. Such experiences can inspire future generations to become informed citizens, environmental advocates, and responsible custodians of the country’s natural heritage.
The event also underscored the importance of shared responsibility in addressing marine pollution. Protecting the oceans cannot be achieved through the efforts of a single institution or sector. It requires sustained cooperation among government agencies, professional organizations, businesses, educational institutions, civil society groups, and communities. Collective action, supported by sound environmental policies and responsible individual behaviour, is essential to create lasting and measurable improvements.
IEPSL is proud to support initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, professional responsibility, and meaningful community engagement. As the leading professional body representing environmental practitioners in Sri Lanka, IEPSL remains committed to encouraging sustainable environmental practices, strengthening public awareness, and supporting programmes that contribute to the protection and restoration of the country’s natural ecosystems.
The participation of IEPSL in the World Ocean Day 2026 beach clean-up reaffirmed the Institute’s belief that every positive environmental action, however small it may appear, contributes to a broader movement for change. By working together to protect our beaches and oceans, society can help preserve these invaluable ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.
The programme concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a powerful reminder that healthy oceans are essential for a healthy planet. Continued collaboration, environmental education, responsible waste management, and sustained public participation will be vital in building cleaner coastlines, resilient communities, and a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka.
