Beach Cleaning Program Organized by Matara District Secretariat in Conjunction with the “Clean Sri Lanka” Program

As part of the Clean Sri Lanka Program, initiated under a government concept, a beach cleanup campaign was conducted in the Matara, Devinuwara, and Dikwella Divisional Secretariats on 16 January 2025, from 0730 hours to 1130 hours, under the theme “Beautiful Island, Smiling People.” The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, with the participation of the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Mrs. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Member of Parliament, Mr. Ajantha Gammaddage, Matara District Secretary, Mr. Ganesha Amarasinghe, and other government officials.

The campaign was also attended by military representatives, including Lt Col P G D Sampath RWP RSP, Senior Staff Officer 613 Infantry Brigade and Maj U K S Jayasinghe, Acting Second-in-Command 9 Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment.

Under the supervision of Major General K T P De Silva RSP ndu psc, General Officer Commanding 61 Infantry Division, and the guidance of Brigadier P G C S Gallage RWP RSP, Commander 613 Infantry Brigade, the under-command troops carried out the beach cleaning program at the following locations:

Matara DS Division:

• Matara Beach

• Matara Beach Park

• Nilwala River Estuary

• Thotamuwa Beach

• Polhena Beach

Dikwella DS Division:

• Nilwella

• Doowagahawella

• Hiriketiya Beach

• Pehebiya Beach

• Bathigama Beach

• Suduwella Beach

• Beliwattha Beach

Devinuwara DS Division:

• Gandara

• Wawuwa Wella

• Kiralawella

• Kaisawella

• Nunnawella

The cleaning initiative was carried out with the active participation of :

• 2 X 50 troops from the 9th Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR)

• 2 X 50 troops from the 3 (V) Gemunu Watch

The program was a significant step toward promoting environmental cleanliness and protecting the coastal areas of the Matara District, aligning with the national goal of a cleaner, greener Sri Lanka.