February 10, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has unveiled the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, a comprehensive national initiative aimed at clearing the nation’s environment of litter and creating a more hospitable, civilised living space for all Sri Lankans.
During her speech at the inaugural event, titled “A Beautiful Beach, an Attractive Tourist Destination,” which took place this morning at Mattakkuliya Beach Park, Dr. Amarasuriya underscored the deeper purpose of the programme.
This ambitious initiative involves large-scale beach cleaning efforts, with simultaneous activities taking place at 124 locations across the Western and Southern Provinces.
The cleaning efforts will span a remarkable 1,740 kilometres of coastline, with volunteers working from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM to help restore the pristine beauty of Sri Lanka’s beaches.
Speaking passionately about the programme, Prime Minister Amarasuriya said, “Today, we are undertaking a collective action to clean not just the physical spaces but to foster a cleaner mindset. The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme is not merely about tidying up; it’s about removing barriers to leading a civilised life and advancing a fundamental social transformation.“
Dr. Amarasuriya went on to highlight the broader, more meaningful aim of this initiative: to create a positive shift in the country’s social and political fabric. “The transformation we seek must start within our homes, communities, and the spaces we inhabit daily. It is not a task that the government can tackle alone—everyone’s participation is vital for the success of this initiative. Today, we stand together, not in our official roles, but as fellow citizens committed to making a tangible difference,” she remarked.
The Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of creating a society built on the pillars of security, education, cleanliness, and social justice. She noted that these factors are integral to building a sustainable and livable environment for the people, especially in urban areas like Colombo.
“Through the Clean Sri Lanka programme, we aim to unite people from all walks of life in our collective goal of transforming the island into a cleaner, more beautiful place. This is the transformation our citizens expect and deserve,” she concluded.
The event saw the attendance of several key figures, including Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf, Chairman of the Colombo District Development Committee Lakshman Nipunarachchi, as well as local community leaders and representatives from various organisations.
The presence of officers from the Sri Lanka Police and the Tri-Forces further underscored the broad support for the initiative, while the active participation of the local community demonstrated the shared commitment to restoring the nation’s natural beauty.
