Kandy, Sri Lanka – May 21, 2025 – Coca-Cola Sri Lanka reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability by executing a large-scale PET plastic collection initiative during the recent Exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa).
The special program, titled “Manugunadam Yatra”, was launched under the company’s flagship Give Back Life initiative, which aligns with Coca-Cola’s global “World Without Waste” pillar. The program aimed to promote responsible PET waste management and recycling practices, ensuring sustainability remained a central focus throughout this culturally and spiritually significant event. Key partners—Lumala, Neptune Recyclers, Amila Plastics and Janathakshan—joined Coca-Cola in supporting this program, contributing their expertise and resources to enhance its impact.
Organized after 16 years, the exposition of the sacred tooth relic stood as one of Sri Lanka’s most highly anticipated religious and cultural events, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the country to the historic hill capital. In response to the large public gathering, with the support of the Sri Dalada Maligawa management, Coca-Cola Sri Lanka implemented a structured plastic waste management program in Kandy from April 18 to 27.
Key aspects of the initiative included the placement of ‘Give Back Life’ PET collection bins at strategic locations covering all three main queues and the surrounding areas of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The effort was supported by a dedicated team who actively engaged in on-ground plastic waste collection. To further enhance efficiency in densely crowded areas, electric bikes were deployed for the swift collection and transportation of plastic waste. During this period, more than 3 metric tons (3000kg) of PET plastic waste were collected, which are now being processed for recycling.
Public engagement played a vital role in the campaign’s success, with on-site announcements and awareness drives encouraging responsible waste disposal among pilgrims.
Further details and updates on the initiative can be found on Coca-Cola Sri Lanka’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CocaColaSriLanka.
