Army Leads Massive Beach Cleaning Drive in Mannar District

In line with the visionary initiative of the Commander of the Army and under the inspiring theme "Beautiful Coastline and Attractive Tourist Destination," a comprehensive beach cleaning programme was successfully conducted across Mannar District on 29 July 2025. The effort, which aimed to rid the different type of garbage in the island’s scenic coastal belt, was a resounding success-uniting the strength of the military with the participation of Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police and civil society.

The large-scale environmental initiative was spearheaded by the Commander Security Forces (Wanni), Major General K M P S B Kulatunga RSP ndc psc, with the close supervision of the General Officer Commanding 54 Infantry Division, Major General A.M.C. Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc, and executed with the active participation of troops from the 541 Infantry Brigade, 542 Infantry Brigade, and 543 Infantry Brigade. This collaborative mission was further strengthened by the support of troops from the 10 SLLI, 3 GR, 3 CR, 2 MIR, 12(V) VIR, and the Recruit Training School, Vedithalathivu, who provided unwavering support to ensure the success of the campaign.

The cleaning operation was graced by the presence of Major General A M C Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc General Officer Commanding, 54 Infantry Division and Mr. K Kanakeshwaran, Government Agent of Mannar District, both of whom commended the joint efforts in preserving the island’s natural beauty and enhancing its potential as a tourist destination.

In a remarkable show of commitment and coordination, the troops and participants successfully cleaned 42 beach locations covering the 52 km coastal belt in the Mannar District transforming polluted coastlines into pristine spaces. This programme, carried out with the participation of 1,100 troops and around 1,500 civilians, collected a total of 14 tons of waste, including 10,000 kg of plastic, which was handed over to waste management centers. The event not only advanced the Army’s environmental conservation goals but also strengthened bonds between the military and the local community.

This exemplary initiative marks another milestone in the Army’s continuous engagement with national development and environmental protection efforts. It echoes the broader vision of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Sri Lanka.