The third Saturday of September is designated as International Coastal Cleanup Day.
In Sri Lanka, the third week of September has been declared “National Marine Resources Conservation Week” since 2016.
Due to increasing population and development activities, there is a risk of marine systems becoming polluted. The waste that flows from land into the sea also poses a threat to the destruction of sensitive marine ecosystems.
To combat this situation, the new government is implementing National Marine Resources Conservation Week as a positive solution for the preservation of coastal and marine environments. Accordingly, beach cleanup programs are being held in various districts across Sri Lanka throughout the week, starting today.
This year’s (2025) main inaugural ceremony was held today (September 20) at 8:00 a.m. at Panadura Beach Park, presided over by the Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi, and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Samantha Gunasekara, and its General Manager, Jagath Gunasekara, as well as officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, representatives from government and private institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
During the event, the Minister of Environment emphasized that “legal enforcement is being carried out internationally with the cooperation of other countries to protect Sri Lanka’s marine system. The fishing industry is being enriched to lead the country toward a productive economy while protecting the marine environment and coasts. The Ministry of Environment is working with state and international parties to find successful solutions to prevent marine pollution.”
During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between MEPA and Clean Ocean Force for the “Beach Caretakers” program.
Programs on beach cleaning and waste census were also conducted.
The national marine conservation week will continue until September 26, covering all coastal districts of the island.
Over 70 selected beaches will host beach cleanup activities, seabed cleaning programs, and awareness programs, with the participation of over 5,000 volunteers.
