Embarking on a mission to combat the looming threat of plastic pollution, a pioneering public awareness campaign on plastic waste management was officially launched on November 08, 2023, at the premises of the Ministry of Environment by the government of Sri Lanka. This landmark initiative is the result of a robust collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), under the component 02 of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project implemented by SACEP and funded by the World Bank.
Setting the stage for a transformative journey toward sustainable living, this 360-degree campaign revolves around the core principles of the 3 R concept: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The programme is spearheaded by the dedicated leadership of Environment Minister Hon. Dr Keheliya Rambukwella and guided with the insightful vision from Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Environment Ministry. The campaign aims to instigate a nationwide movement against the perils of plastic waste. The Director General of SACEP, Ms. Rokeya Khaton, also joined the event, emphasizing the regional collaboration needed to combat this global issue. The launch event saw a convergence of influential figures, with government officials and representatives from many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) adding their weight to the reason. This collective effort signifies a unified stance to address the plastic pollution crisis head-on, fostering a sense of shared responsibility among citizens, organizations, and policymakers alike. As the campaign gains momentum, the call to action resonates: join hands in this pivotal journey towards a cleaner, greener future for our planet. Together, we can make a lasting impact and pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with the environment.
