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 Sidunala Raksha 6.0 – Phase III

As a country surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka owns an amazingly eye-catching coastline which has significantly valuable biodiversity as well. Even though Sri Lanka's diversity is eye-catching, Sri Lanka has been ranked 173rd among island countries in the "Ocean Health Index 2020". It indicates the worsening of ecosystem health. This is the reason which provided the background for the last phase of Sindu Nala Raksha to be carried out offshore under the subcategory of Life below water.


If we consider our selected area: Kudawella beach – Tangalle, it is significantly important in the case of biodiversity matters as well as in surfing and tourism. We researched the area in the morning before the commencement of clean-up. During that, we witnessed the habitats and footprints of crabs, seabirds and especially turtles. According to the information we gathered and experienced from various resource persons and environmental authorities, the area is currently facing huge challenges due to the fishing harbour which was built in the recent past. Although it is beneficial for villagers economically, it causes a huge threat to the biodiversity and cleansing of the area.

Therefore, the third phase of Sidu Nala Raksha 6.0 was decided to be conducted on the 28th of March 2023. It was carried under the subcategory of Life below Water relating to this matter. Accordingly, a cleaning program and an awareness session were carried out in collaboration with the District Office of Marine Environmental Protection Authority – Hambantota, District Office of Central Environmental Authority - Hambantota And our service partners Janathakshan GTE Ltd and Beemo EcoMart PLC. The project was not only conducted with the participation of university club members but also the participation of 38 Environmental club members from H/ Ruhunu Vijayaba College – Tangalle.

We started the beach cleaning program around 8.30 am and were able to collect around 108 kgs of garbage from the beach including polythene, plastic, fibre, glass, fishing nets, Rigi foam, chemicals, rubber and lots of other things. After the clean-up which happened around 2 hours, participants were provided refreshments for their valuable commitment and efforts. For the later part of the phase, an awareness session was arranged in 3 segments and conducted on the premises of our food and beverage partners on the beach. Mr. Pathinayake from Central Environmental Authority led the first segment of the session, "Marine Wildlife" whereas the second part was conducted by Mr. Muditha from Marine Environmental Protection Authority on Marine Wildlife Conservation and the third part by Mr. Shakila Wishvajith from Janathakshan GTE Ltd on recycling.

Out of the collected 108 kgs of garbage, 25 kgs of PET bottles were handed over to Janathakshan GTE Ltd with the purpose of recycling. The remaining garbage was sorted out according to the instructions of the Municipal Council and handed over to them. Janathakshan GTE Ltd and Beemo Ecomart PLC are environmental-friendly organisations established in the recycling field in Sri Lanka. They collect PET bottles and transform those into various products and do a great service to the environment.

As Leos, our focus was on enhancing awareness about Marine Wildlife Conservation while minimising destruction and pollution. As the youth of the country, it is our responsibility to utilise these natural resources sustainably. But the majority is not concerned about that and vanishes the existence of such resources. That’s why the phase was implemented with the school children because we wanted to incept those responsibilities into the upcoming generation’s mind. 



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