June 05, Colombo (LNW): The country’s official commemoration of World Environment Day commenced this morning in Kegalle, with Nidahas Mawatha transformed into the focal point for environmental awareness activities.
The event forms part of a broader nationwide initiative designed to strengthen ecological consciousness and promote sustainable practices across various sectors.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to participate in the proceedings, which align with the government’s declaration of a dedicated Environment Week.
This initiative seeks to deepen public engagement with environmental issues whilst encouraging institutions at every level to incorporate sustainable development into their operations.
World Environment Day, observed annually on the 5th of June under the stewardship of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is the most widely recognised global platform for environmental awareness.
Since its inception in 1973, the event has mobilised millions worldwide. This year, the global celebration is being hosted by the Republic of Korea, which has placed particular emphasis on nature-based solutions and regional cooperation in tackling ecological challenges.
In parallel to the central ceremony in Kegalle, other regions have launched community-based programmes that combine environmental stewardship with social empowerment.
One such initiative, introduced in Habaraduwa on Tuesday, focuses on the protection and upkeep of coastal areas adjacent to tourism infrastructure. At a gathering held at the local Divisional Secretariat, a new effort was unveiled to designate local residents as custodians of specific beach zones near hotels and resorts.
A formal agreement was signed between the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and a number of participating tourism establishments, marking a shift towards shared responsibility between government, industry, and community.
Each appointed caretaker will be charged with maintaining cleanliness and preserving the natural charm of their assigned coastal segment. In return, they will receive a modest stipend as acknowledgement of their public service.
This beach conservation effort falls under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, operating this year under the theme “Beautiful Coastline, Attractive Tourist Destination”. The campaign seeks to align environmental care with the economic imperatives of the tourism sector, reinforcing the idea that sustainable landscapes are essential for long-term prosperity.
In his wider environmental agenda, President Dissanayake has consistently emphasised the role of local participation and inter-agency collaboration. He has also signalled support for more decentralised environmental governance, encouraging grassroots solutions that reflect regional priorities and cultural contexts.
