Sustaining the dynamic momentum towards achieving a vision of a ‘World Without Waste’, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd., recently joined hands with the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) for the third consecutive year, as a sponsor of the National Program of the International Coastal Clean-up held at the Crow Island Beach in Mattakkuliya during the annual National coastal & Marine Resources Conservation Week.
Over 800 volunteers converged on the occasion, including Coca-Cola’s ‘Helping Hands’ volunteer force, young volunteers from the University of Colombo’s Science Society & Gaweshakayo (Explorers Society), government officers from respective coastal and environmental departments, Sri Lanka Navy, private companies, schoolchildren, NGOs and the coastal community . The initiative was conducted under the patronage of the State Minister of Environment, Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma.
In appreciation for the contributions made over the past years, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd., was presented an appreciation award for services rendered towards the conservation of the coastal and marine environment of Sri Lanka. The Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority Rear Admiral (Rtd) Rohana Perera presented the award to the Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd., Mr. Lakshan Madurasinghe.
The Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Rohana Perera commented, “Our organization is committed to the sustainable development of the country by protecting the marine environment that Sri Lanka has in abundance. As an island, Sri’s Lanka’s marine ecosystem is a vital lifeline. The annual International Coastal Clean-up provided the ideal occasion to highlight the National Coastal and Marine Resources Conservation Week towards successfully raising awareness about conservation. Coca-Cola’s support over the years has been invaluable in creating more education and awareness to stop littering and be more responsible in disposing our waste. We need such public-private partnerships to create an environment for safe waste management and improve recycling efforts across Sri Lanka.”
Elaborating further, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. Director – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Lakshan Madurasinghe stated: “We are honoured by this recognition and very proud to partner with MEPA for the 3rd consecutive year in conveying the important message of conserving our nation’s beaches, coast and the marine environment. Through such multi-stakeholder programmes which include the participation and involvement of the government,, NGOs, civil society groups, youth organisations and our valued associates and customers we hope to scale-up community mobilisation efforts with a focused priority of collecting and recycling PET Plastic bottles under our ‘Give Back Life’ campaign. By doing so together, we not alone preserve the environment but provide an alternative source of income, jobs and livelihood to many across Sri Lanka.”
