The Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat says it has observed that certain individuals and media organisations are disseminating distorted and misleading information through some electronic and social media platforms with malicious intent regarding the staffing of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, its financial utilisation and the use of Government vehicles.
Stating that its responsibility is to clarify these misleading claims and to explain the mandate of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, the Secretariat issued a clarification statement.
Commenting on information on staff, salaries and the use of vehicles, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat said at present, a total of 46 officers are attached to the Clean Sri Lanka programme.
This includes 43 permanent public servants, including an Additional Secretary to the President, and three individuals recruited on a temporary basis with specialist expertise. They are paid only the salaries and allowances approved under the public service. In addition, experts and professionals from various fields voluntarily provide their services for different projects and activities of the Clean Sri Lanka programme without receiving any remuneration or allowances.
The Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat further said that the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force functions entirely on a voluntary basis without any salaries or allowances. Within the Clean Sri Lanka programme, ten officers are entitled to official vehicles in accordance with Government circulars, and only one vehicle (a van) has been assigned for office duties. Accordingly, we assure that there is no misuse whatsoever of Government vehicles.
On the social mission and objectives of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat said that “Clean Sri Lanka” is a programme implemented with the objective of building a generation that understands the value of safeguarding society and the environment for present and future generations through social transformation, while fostering positive attitudes among the entire population.
It aims to nurture a generation that is environmentally conscious, compassionate, disciplined and guided by strong ethical values. The Clean Sri Lanka Task Force and staff are committed to this vision and are implementing a large number of targeted projects and activities in this regard.
Regarding projects and activities carried out under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat said the programme includes a range of projects implemented by the public sector using public finance, as well as projects carried out with the support of the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the general public.
For the year 2025, public finance amounting to Rs. 6,500 million has been allocated, and 59 projects are being implemented under the three pillars of social, ethical and environmental development. Some of these projects have already been completed and are yielding results, while others will continue into 2026. Accordingly, the 2025 programme has achieved significant physical and financial progress.
During 2025, under national budget allocations and with private and public participation, numerous projects were implemented to promote the social, ethical and environmental sectors. Among the 59 projects carried out under these three pillars were initiatives to provide facilities for persons with disabilities, promote food safety, enhance road safety, standardise sanitation facilities in urban communities and tourist zones, improve waste management, prevent water pollution, protect reservoirs, establish urban forests, improve the environmental conditions of drainage systems, develop standardised bus stops, upgrade 100 railway stations island-wide, and promote reading through library development.
Public participation and, wherever possible, private sector involvement are also obtained for projects implemented by the public sector. Some of these projects have already been successfully completed, while others are continuing.
As such, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat provided details of several key projects implemented mainly by the public sector using public funds. The projects are as follows;
- Blue Flag Beach Development Project
Although Sri Lanka is blessed with a beautiful coastline of 1,600 kilometres, not a single beach has yet obtained the international Blue Flag certification. Recognising that this is not conducive to the development of coastal tourism, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), has initiated a pilot project to develop Blue Flag beaches. Talalla Beach has been selected for this purpose, and the tasks scheduled for 2025 have already been completed. It is planned to fulfil all criteria required for Blue Flag certification by the end of 2026. In addition, several more beaches will be selected in 2026, with a plan to meet the relevant criteria within the following two years.
- Conservation of Major Reservoirs
Sri Lanka, renowned for its ancient irrigation civilisation, possesses an extensive network of large, medium and small-scale reservoirs. The legally required reservation boundaries of these reservoirs have been encroached upon by human activities, posing serious threats to their sustainability. In response, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Department of Irrigation and the Survey Department, has commenced a project to survey and permanently demarcate the reservation boundaries of major reservoirs using boundary stones. Surveys of approximately 20 major reservoirs have already been completed, and the project will continue until all targets are achieved.
- Programme to Prevent River Water Pollution
As a pilot project, a comprehensive scientific study is being conducted across the entire Kelani River basin to identify all causes of water pollution and the measures required to prevent it, culminating in a detailed report. This study is scheduled for completion in 2026, following which a pilot programme to prevent water pollution in the Kelani River basin will be implemented, with plans to extend it to several other major river basins.
- Establishment of 100 Coastal Parks
To facilitate the sustainable use of Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline by the public and tourists, the development of 100 small coastal parks around the island was launched in 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Coast Conservation Department. Work on 44 coastal parks has already been completed, and the remaining parks will be developed in 2026.
- Recycling of Fibreglass
Fibreglass boats are widely used in Sri Lanka, and once they become unusable, they are often abandoned in fishing harbours and along the coastline, creating a serious environmental problem. The accumulation of such boats also severely hampers harbour operations. To address this issue, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Cey-Nor Foundation, initiated a project in the last quarter of 2025 to recycle fibreglass boats into useful materials. The procurement process to import modern machinery and establish a specialised plant at the Bentota harbour has now been completed. The project is scheduled for completion within the first two quarters of 2026, and all accumulated fibreglass boats across the island are to be recycled within the next two years.
- Promoting Scientific Waste Management in Sri Lanka
Recognising the importance of polythene and plastic waste management for environmental conservation, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, together with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and local authorities, initiated the establishment of Material Recovery Facilities for polythene and plastics under the 2025 budget. Accordingly, construction of such facilities has commenced in four local authorities during 2025, and the programme will be expanded to additional local authorities in 2026.
- Streamlining Waste Transportation for Improved Waste Management
The proper transportation of waste in a hygienic and efficient manner is a critical component of effective waste management. However, a major challenge faced by local government authorities in Sri Lanka is the lack of adequate facilities for this purpose. In response to this issue, plans were made to procure 16 modern waste compactors in 2025, and the programme was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration. Due to cost savings achieved during the procurement process, it was subsequently decided to purchase 20 compactors instead. Accordingly, the procurement process has been completed and tenders have been awarded, with delivery of the compactors scheduled for March 2026. In addition, plans are in place to procure a further 10 compactors in 2026. These will be distributed to local government authorities based on an established order of priority.
- Recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste
In Sri Lanka, construction and demolition waste generated from the removal of old or damaged buildings have not been disposed of through a proper, regulated mechanism. In many instances, such waste has been used for landfilling low-lying areas, giving rise to numerous environmental issues. Accordingly, under the Clean Sri Lanka Programme, the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, in collaboration with the State Engineering Corporation, has commenced the construction of a modern recycling facility to produce construction materials using construction and demolition waste. Construction of the recycling plant is scheduled to be completed and made operational in the first quarter of 2026. Once operational, it will ensure environmentally friendly recycling of construction waste generated in Colombo and surrounding areas.
- Sustainable Maintenance of Colombo Waterways
This initiative focuses on the maintenance of the canal and waterway network in Colombo and its surrounding areas. In addition to environmental conservation, it contributes to flood control in Colombo and other densely populated areas, as well as to the prevention of the spread of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. These activities are planned to continue in 2026.
- Management of the St. Sebastian Canal System in Colombo
This project aims to develop a comprehensive management plan to improve the overall quality of the St. Sebastian canal system in Colombo. The project area includes the St. Sebastian South and St. Sebastian East canals, as well as their associated catchment area covering approximately 5.8 square kilometres. Accordingly, the initiative will focus on identifying both point and non-point sources of pollution, assessing water quality, and raising awareness among communities, institutions, and other stakeholders regarding the proposed management plan.
- Control of Waste Disposal into Urban Canal Systems
The primary objective of this project is to prevent pollution of Colombo’s main canal network by regulating the disposal of solid waste into the Dematagoda, Mahawatte and Serpentine canals. The initiative also includes raising awareness among communities living along canal banks and encouraging their active participation in the management plan. In collaboration with relevant institutions and stakeholders, a structured mechanism for the collection and disposal of solid waste will be established, thereby introducing an effective and sustainable solid waste management system.
- Monitoring Illegal Waste Disposal Using Mobile CCTV Systems
The primary objective of this project is to minimize illegal waste dumping within communities to protect the environment. Through the use of mobile CCTV surveillance, locations where waste is being unlawfully disposed of will be closely monitored. This system will help deter illegal dumping and reduce environmental pollution. The project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026.
- Healthy Life – Safe Food Project
This project focuses on empowering consumers regarding food safety. Its primary objectives include encouraging citizens to report violations of food safety standards and promoting the governmentcertified procedures (SLSI) to ensure compliance. The project is implemented through television programmes, field activities and social media campaigns, with the support of the Ministries of Health, Education, Agriculture and Industry. Additionally, health awareness camps are organized across various regions of the country to educate the public on safe food practices. The program will continue uninterrupted throughout 2026, with a budget allocation of LKR 450 million.
- “Take Care” Road Safety Awareness Programme
This programme is designed to promote road safety using electronic and social media, with a special focus on school children while raising awareness among the general public. Covering 100 educational zones across the country, the initiative is complemented by a continuous series of road safety awareness programmes broadcast throughout the year on Independent Television network. The programme is planned to continue throughout 2026.
- Provision of Sanitation Facilities for the Public and Tourists in Collaboration with the Urban Development Authority and Provincial Councils
In collaboration with the Urban Development Authority, procurement activities have been completed for the construction of standardized sanitation facilities at 20 selected tourist centres, and construction work has commenced. Systems have been designed to ensure the sustainable maintenance of these facilities. Additionally, a project has been implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration and local government institutions to upgrade currently nonfunctional sanitation systems managed by local authorities. Under this initiative, 37 sanitation systems under local government management are being fully rehabilitated. The programme also includes efforts to improve sanitation facilities in rural schools, ensuring that all facilities are accessible and functional for the public.
- Modernization of the Pettah Central Bus Stand
This project aims to transform the Pettah Central Bus Stand into a modern, secure and high-standard facility for passengers arriving in Colombo. The bus stand is undergoing a full-scale renovation for the first time in six decades. Upon completion, it will feature enhanced comfort and advanced operational systems. Facilities such as rest areas for passengers, drivers and conductors will also be developed as part of the modernization.
- Using Technology to Accelerate Case Management in the Judicial System
The digitization of Sri Lanka’s judicial system (E-Courts) has been identified as a national priority and is being implemented as a key strategic initiative. In the initial phase, the Supreme Court has successfully launched a website and an integrated electronic system for case file management. In parallel, a large number of goods in court custody that had accumulated over time has been systematically removed in collaboration with the Judicial Services Commission. This process is transforming the judiciary into a more efficient and user-friendly system. The project is now in its final stage of implementation.
- Controlling the Spread of Dengue Mosquitoes Using Technological Methods
This programme is implemented to raise public awareness about the importance of controlling the spread of dengue mosquitoes, ensuring a healthy population and maintaining a clean environment. It operates at the local government level with active community participation. Activities under the programme include fogging, elimination of stagnant water sources, cleaning of water-holding containers and public awareness campaigns.
- Ensuring Road Safety and Vehicle Control Through a Technological Traffic Management System
This project aims to enhance road safety and maintain public security by integrating CCTV networks at selected locations within Colombo, improving crime detection and streamlining electronic evidence management. Led primarily by the Ministry of Public Security, the system utilizes Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to monitor traffic violations, including running red lights, pedestrian law breaches and illegal vehicle stoppages. The initiative enables realtime detection of such offenses, ensuring safer roads and more effective traffic management.
- Buggy Cart/Golf Cart Project for Tourists with Disabilities
This project, planned for implementation during 2025 and 2026, has completed necessary field assessments. Under the plan, three buggy carts will operate along a 2-kilometer route from the Rathnapura entrance of the 36,474-hectare Sinharaja Forest Reserve, while two buggy carts will serve a 4-kilometer route from the Thawalama entrance of the 6,144-hectare Kanneliya Forest Reserve. The project is scheduled for completion within the year 2026, ensuring improved accessibility for tourists with disabilities.
- School Green Zone Establishment Project
This project aims to increase environmental literacy among school children by 10%. It involves the creation of outdoor classrooms using eco-friendly materials, such as treated timber and the installation of composting units to promote sustainable practices within schools.
- Community-Based Model Villages Project
Implemented from 2025 to 2027, this project is designed to enhance selected villages according to measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including a 25% improvement in household economies, a 25% reduction in non-communicable diseases risks and a 3% decrease in antisocial behaviour. The project employs a participatory approach called “Community Circles” to identify local issues and develop solutions collaboratively.
- Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation Project
To support individuals reluctant to attend residential rehabilitation programmes, the project plans to establish daytime treatment “Drop-in Centres” in Badulla, Wariyapola and Jaffna. In addition, the initiative promotes the national hotline 1927 and organizes 14-day treatment camps to provide accessible rehabilitation services.
- Mechanized Sewage Treatment Centres Construction
Given that approximately 98% of Sri Lanka’s population uses either pit latrines or septic tanks, this project aims to prevent untreated waste from being discharged into the environment. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Administration and Provincial Councils, mechanized sewage treatment centres will be established to ensure proper, environmentally safe waste management. (Newswire)