“CLEAN SRI LANKA” BEACH CLEANING CAMPAIGN BEGINS IN GALLE DISTRICT

As part of the Clean Sri Lanka program the government launched a large-scale beach cleanup initiative covering the coastal stretch from Bentota to Goviapana under the theme “Beautiful Island, Smiling People”. This program was held on 12 January 2025 in the Galle District under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Vocational Education and Galle District Member of Parliament, Nalin Hewage.

Prominent figures attending the event included the Governor of the Southern Province, M K Bandula Harischandra, Galle District Secretary, W A Dharmasiri, the General Officer Commanding 61 Infantry Division, Major General K T P De Silva RSP ndu psc, and Deputy Inspector General Galle District, E N G Jayath Seram, along with other government officials.

The program began with a traditional Seth Pirith ritual, followed by speeches from Galle District Secretary W A Dharmasiri, Major General K T P De Silva, and DIG E N G Jagath Seram, who emphasized the significance and value of the Clean Sri Lanka Campaign in preserving the environment and promoting tourism.

Troops from the 61 Infantry Division were actively engaged in cleaning various locations, including:

• Bentota,

• Hikkaduwa,

• Ambalangoda,

• Dewata beach areas,

• Sections of the Colombo-Galle Main Road near the Hikkaduwa tourist hub,

• General Cemetery areas,

• Other key tourist destinations.

The workforce involved in the program included:

• 10 X 50 troops from the 61 Infantry Division Headquarters,

• 04 X 25 troops from the 573 Infantry Brigade Headquarters,

• 05 X 80 troops from the 20th Battalion of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry,

• 05 X 120 troops from the 2 (V) Gamunu Watch.

The cleanup campaign commenced at 0730 hours and concluded at 1400 hours, leaving a significant positive impact on the coastal areas. This initiative reinforced the collective commitment to creating a cleaner and greener Sri Lanka.