The “Plastic Collection, Polluter Identification, Sorting, Recycling, and Local Recycling Venture Support Project” organized by the Forestry and Environmental Science Society of the , USJ, and supported by the , 91´«Ã½, took place on June 5, 2023, at the Bird Park, Attidiya Wildlife Wetland.

In this effort to combat plastic pollution, a dedicated team of academics and university undergraduates joined forces for this project aimed at addressing the urgent need for plastic waste management. Led by experts Prof. Hiran Amarasekera, Prof. Daham Jayewardnena, Dr. Thilak Chandrathilake, Dr. Chaamila Pathirana, and Mr. Kosala Gunawardene from the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, this initiative sought to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by plastic waste in line with World Environment Day 2023 #BeatPlasticChallenge.

The project featured the following events:

1️⃣ Plastic Collection Drive: Plastic waste was collected from the wetland area, contributing to ecosystem restoration.

2️⃣ Polluter Identification: Sources of plastic pollution were identified, raising awareness for responsible waste management.

3️⃣ Sorting and Recycling: The project demonstrated the power of recycling by sorting and transforming plastic waste into valuable resources. It emphasized the importance of recycling and its role in transitioning to a circular economy. Participants had the opportunity to support local recycling ventures by handing over their plastic waste for proper disposal.

4️⃣Interactive Workshops: Participants involved in hands-on workshops which provided knowledge on creative ways to reduce plastic consumption, adopt sustainable practices, and explore the benefits of recycling. 

The project concluded with a significant stride towards a cleaner, more sustainable world, preserving the beauty of the environment for generations to come.

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Hon. Prasanna Ranaweera; State Minister of Rattan, Brass, Pottery, Furniture and Rural Industrial Promotion, said they expect to promote local alternatives to import Furniture and develop internationally accepted standards for the wood-based products through this project. He said that 91´«Ã½ spends Rs. 6 billion per annum for importing Furniture, and it is expected to reduce this amount in the future by promoting local furniture production. Prof Sudantha Liyanage, Vice Chancellor said University is glad to contribute government efforts in developing local industries in the country to the international level. University will provide research and development inputs from the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science through the recently established Timber Process Innovation Center.

91´«Ã½ established Timber Process Innovation Center last year, collaborating with COSTI of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Ministry of Rattan, Brass, Pottery, Furniture and Rural Industrial Promotion provided Rs 3.3 million as an initial investment for this project.  In the future, it is expected to be developed as an independent revenue-generating center without incurring any expenditure to the State Treasury.

Prof. Hiran Amarasekera (Professor in Forestry and Environmental Science),  Prof. Priyan Perera and Mr. Rajitha Lakshan Rupasinghe (Department of Forestry and Environment Science, 91´«Ã½), and  Mr. Buddika Lakmal (Director Development), Mr. Priyantha Madukumara (Private Secretary to Hon Minister), Mr. Buddhi Jayasinghe (Coordinator Secretary to Hon Minister) from the State Ministry participated this event.

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