Commander of Security Forces (Jaffna) Leads Beach Cleaning Programme as Part of ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Initiative

As part of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Programme’ a national effort launched under the vision of His Excellency the President, a large-scale beach cleaning event was organized by the 521 Infantry Brigade on 23rd February 2025. The initiative aimed to restore the natural beauty of Point Pedro Beach while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The event was conducted under the direction of Major General Manada Yahampath RWP RSP ndu psc, the Commander of Security Forces (Jaffna), with supervision by Major General VDS Perera, the General Officer Commanding of the 52 Infantry Division and Brigadier PSK Ranathungamage RSP psc the Commander of the 521 Infantry Brigade.

A wide range of stakeholders collaborated in the event, including the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Police, and local government bodies. Over 17 officers and 250 soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army, 10 sailors from the Sri Lanka Navy, and 40 officers from the Sri Lanka Police participated in the clean-up. Additionally, 222 officials from various government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and around 800 local civilians worked together to clean a 12-kilometre stretch of Point Pedro Beach and the surrounding roads.

The Divisional Secretariat of Point Pedro, the Urban Councils of Point Pedro and Valvattithurai, the Pradeshiya Sabhas of Point Pedro and Valvattithurai, the Divisional Hospital of Manthikai, the Public Health Inspector's Office in Point Pedro, and several NGOs played integral roles in the success of the initiative.

Religious leaders from both Hindu and Catholic communities joined the event, symbolizing unity and community spirit. The event was also graced by Member of Parliament K Ilankumaran, who served as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included M Piiratheepan, the District Secretary of Jaffna, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Jaffna) Kalinga Jayasinghe, Commodore Aruna Wijayawardana, Deputy Area Commander of the Navy, S Sathiyaseelan, Divisional Secretary of Point Pedro, and Mr. Darshana, an engineer from the Department of Conservation and Coastal Resources Management.

This beach cleaning initiative made a significant contribution to the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, reinforcing the theme, “A Beautiful Coastline, an Attractive Tourism Destination.” The collective efforts of all involved helped to restore the environmental integrity of Point Pedro, while raising public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.

The success of the event underscores the power of community collaboration, highlighting the vital role that local communities, military forces, and public institutions play in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s coastal ecosystems.