26th May 2026 14:23:17 Hours
Under the directives of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ndu psc IG, and under the guidance of the Security Forces Commander (Wanni), Major General K M P S B Kulatunga RSP ndc psc, the 54 Infantry Division, led by Major General G S K Perera RSP ndc, General Officer Commanding, successfully conducted a coordinated series of beach cleaning operations across key coastal sectors under the theme, “A Clean Coastline – An Attractive Tourist Destination.”
This large-scale initiative formed part of the national Clean Sri Lanka programme and reflected the Sri Lanka Army’s continued commitment to environmental conservation, public welfare, and the sustainable development of the nation’s coastal resources.
The operations were carefully planned and implemented to restore the natural beauty of selected shorelines, reduce marine pollution, and raise public awareness regarding proper waste management practices. These efforts not only supported environmental conservation but also contributed towards enhancing the tourism potential of coastal communities.
Maintaining clean coastlines is vital not merely for aesthetic purposes, but also for safeguarding marine ecosystems, protecting fisheries, and creating conditions necessary for sustainable tourism development, all of which directly contribute to both local and national economies. By restoring shoreline environments and promoting responsible waste management, the campaign aimed to secure immediate environmental benefits while creating long-term economic opportunities for communities dependent on fisheries and tourism-related livelihoods.
The principal phase of the campaign was conducted on 23 May 2026 from 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs, with simultaneous operations carried out across the Areas of Responsibility of the 541, 542, and 543 Infantry Brigades.
In the Mannar sector, troops of the 10 (V) Gemunu Watch and 5 (V) Mechanized Infantry Regiment, under the 541 Infantry Brigade, launched an extensive beach cleaning programme covering coastal stretches within the Nanattan and Manthai West Divisional Secretariat Divisions. The programme was ceremonially inaugurated at Vankalai Beach by Brigadier W S A B Dharmarathna RSP USP psc IG, Commander of the 541 Infantry Brigade, in the presence of the Nanattan Divisional Secretary, Ms. K. Sivasambu, government officials, and a large gathering of local residents.
Fourteen beach sectors extending from Achchankulam to Vellankulam Grama Niladhari Divisions were cleared of accumulated waste and marine debris with the active participation of the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police, and over 330 local volunteers. The collaborative effort demonstrated excellent inter-agency coordination and strong community participation in coastal conservation initiatives while significantly improving the cleanliness and visual appeal of the shoreline.
Simultaneously, under the supervision of Colonel LWB Ridimahaliyadda USP IG, Commander of the 542 Infantry Brigade, another major beach cleaning programme was conducted at ten tourist-attractive coastal locations stretching from the beach near Kondachchi Temple to the Arippu coastal area.
The inauguration ceremony, held near the historic Doric Bungalow in Silawathura at 0730 hrs, was conducted with religious blessings led by Venerable Mahawilachchiye Wimalarathana Thero, Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of the North Central Province. The event was attended by the District Secretary of
Mannar, Mr. K. Kanakeswaram, the Musali Divisional Secretary, Mr. S. Rajeev, Marine Environmental Officer Mr. A. Sasidaran, along with several other dignitaries representing both military and civilian institutions.
The programme received strong support from the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police, Civil Security Department, Marine Environment Protection Authority, local government bodies, healthcare workers of the Silawathura Regional Hospital, students, youth organisations, fishing communities, and residents of the area. Their collective participation ensured the efficient removal of waste, promoted responsible waste disposal practices, and reinforced the social importance of maintaining clean and healthy coastal environments.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of Brigadier A H R Hasantha RSP psc, Commander of the 543 Infantry Brigade, beach cleaning activities were successfully carried out at eighteen identified tourist-attractive coastal locations within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility. Troops worked in close coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy, Police, government institutions, and local communities to remove plastics and other pollutants harmful to marine ecosystems.
Across all Brigade sectors, the programme strongly emphasised environmental protection and public awareness by educating participants and local communities on the long-term benefits of waste reduction, proper waste disposal, and marine conservation.
Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, the campaign also sought to promote sustainable tourism by rehabilitating coastal areas with significant tourism potential. The restoration and improvement of these beaches were aimed at enhancing public confidence in local recreational areas, supporting tourism and fisheries-based livelihoods, and encouraging future investment in community-based environmental and tourism initiatives.
Equally significant was the sense of unity and social cohesion fostered through the programme, as military personnel, civil authorities, religious leaders, students, volunteers, and local residents worked together towards a common national objective. This collaborative effort further strengthened the relationship between the Sri Lanka Army and the communities it serves.
The Clean Sri Lanka beach cleaning initiative also served as an educational platform to raise awareness regarding marine conservation, the harmful effects of plastic pollution, and effective waste management practices. Participants were educated on waste segregation, reducing single-use plastics, and methods to prevent marine pollution, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative’s impact.
The successful conduct of these island-wide operations across the Areas of Responsibility of the 541, 542, and 543 Infantry Brigades reflects the professionalism, dedication, and strong spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the Sri Lanka Army and all participating stakeholders. The visible transformation of multiple coastal sectors on 23 May 2026 stands as a testament to the commitment and hard work of all service personnel, government institutions, volunteers, and community members who contributed towards protecting Sri Lanka’s valuable coastal heritage.
Moving forward, continued community engagement, regular environmental monitoring, and sustained inter-agency cooperation will remain essential in preserving these achievements and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s beaches remain clean, safe, and attractive for both residents and visitors alike.
