Navy launches island-wide coastal clean-up for International Coastal Cleanup Day

The Sri Lanka Navy launched a comprehensive coastal clean-up drive across Naval Commands today, 19 September 2026, to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day and National Marine Resources Conservation Week.

The initiative began this morning with a main event at Panadura beach, organized in collaboration with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Secretariat and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).

As a key partner of the Presidential Task Force driving the 'Clean Sri Lanka' national initiative, the Sri Lanka Navy continues to lend its full support to environmental conservation efforts, including the 'Aththama' National Cleanliness Day programme, conducted under the civic and community initiatives as the mission for a clean nation.

Under the latest drive, Western Naval Command personnel cleaned the Panadura beach area, while in the Eastern Naval Command, cleaning operations spanned Trincomalee Town Bay, Mutur, Kinniya, Sellapuram, Arisimale, Gopalapuram, Tiriyai, Panichchankerni, and Lankapatuna.

The Northern Naval Command cleared plastic and solid waste at Kankesanthurai and Southeastern Naval Command personnel cleared the Karaitivu coast. The Southern Naval Command covered Dadalla in Galle and Godawaya in Hambantota whereas the North Central Naval Command targeted the Vankalai beach area. The Northwestern Naval Command covered Sinnapadu, Talawila, and Mollikulam coastal areas.

During these efforts, naval personnel cleared and disposed of large quantities of non-biodegradable waste, including plastic and polythene, at all locations.