A Greener and Cleaner tomorrow:

'Be the Change' campaign to create public awareness

The Centre for Sustainability, (CFS) an ancillary body of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura together with their private sector partners and sponsors, launched the 'Be the Change' campaign with a focus of making Sri Lanka a 'Greener and Cleaner' place for the future.

In fast developing countries such as Sri Lanka, due to urbanisation, rapid development of socio-economic activities of the public, recreation and changing leisure habits, it is important to ensure that the environment is kept "Greener and Cleaner" for the nation's future generation. With this objective the theme "Be the Change" was launched to create awareness on areas such as use of bio degradable and environmental friendly material, usage of pure forms of packaging, domestic waste management, benefits of using healthy and non-contaminating packaging material that can be recycled, segmenting garbage before disposal, energy conservation and preservation methods etc.

The program will create public awareness on issues and remedies, address resource concerns, suggest feasible mechanisms, advice on preventing careless waste disposal, and build enthusiasm among the community to be proactively engaged in making a "Greener and Cleaner" tomorrow a reality.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Nilanthi Bandara, Head, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura said, "Our faculty is the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka, which offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Forestry and Environmental Science.

In addition to the academic pursuits of the faculty, through our Centre for Sustainability, we have been able to reach a wider crosssection of Sri Lankans who are largely responsible in managing the country's environmental needs and issues, effectively and efficiently, by means of training, educating and knowledge sharing."

According to Prof. Bandara CFS has been established with the purpose of forging partnerships and affiliations with the private sector, general public and organizations keen on promoting environmental matters.

"Be the Change" initiative launched with the support of the private sector sponsors is an effort to create public awareness and to educate them on the importance of preserving and creating a "Greener and Cleaner" environment for tomorrow. This program will stress and articulate on the issues citizens are facing, giving particular importance to solid garbage and non-bio degradable waste such as polythene, plastic, etc. Garbage in whatever context one looks at, is a cradle for sickness, disease, pollution, contamination and overall irksomeness.

In this context it is important for the public to be aware of ways and means of responsible and conscientious disposal of domestic and industrial garbage so that they do not contribute in amplifying this already threatening issue.

- SJ