Sri Lanka yesterday joined the global celebration of World Environment Day on June 5 under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” with a week-long series of activities focused on environmental protection and sustainability. The national ceremony will be held at the Freedom Square in Kegalle, presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Environment Minister, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi yesterday told journalists: “Plastic pollution is not just a threat to nature, it also poses a direct danger to human health and community livelihoods. It’s time for us to act together, from government agencies to civil society, to ensure a cleaner, greener future.”
Highlighting the alarming statistics, he noted that since 2000, global plastic production has reached over 430 million metric tonnes annually, with a significant portion becoming waste that ends up polluting land and sea. In Sri Lanka alone, daily plastic waste is estimated at over 900 tonnes, out of which only a fraction is recycled.
He added: “Our government’s flagship ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative aims to unite people in caring for the environment,” the minister added. “From public institutions to private sector players, everyone has a role to play in reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and safeguarding biodiversity.”
The week-long “National Environment Week” will begin on May 30 and concludes June 5, World Environment Day, with various events focusing on topics like plastic waste management, air pollution control, and ecosystem conservation.
By Ifham Nizam