The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) has launched its first activity under the Clean Waterways Initiative Programme, aimed at supporting the restoration of Colombo’s Beira Lake.
The programme, held on October 8 at the Sri Uttarananda Mawatha Pier, brought together more than 120 participants, including volunteers, government agencies and representatives of partner organisations.
Organised as part of an initiative of the Beira Lake Restoration Task Force, the event was conducted in partnership with HSBC Sri Lanka and Clean Ocean Force Sri Lanka.
The programme commenced with the unveiling of anti-pollution awareness placards at strategic locations around the lake, followed by a volunteer-led mapping exercise to identify areas affected by waste accumulation and pollution.
Volunteers from the Sri Jinarathana Vocational Training Centre, College of Fashion and Design, University of Colombo and University of Sri Jayewardenepura participated in the exercise.
During the activity, volunteers identified waste accumulation points along the lake’s banks and surrounding pathways, while recording observations relating to algae, odour, water inlets, waste barriers and potential areas for development.
The event was attended by representatives of Gangaramaya Temple, Sri Lanka Police, the Police Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and the British Council.
An A-PAD SL Search and Rescue team was also deployed on the lake to support the programme.
According to A-PAD SL, the Clean Waterways Programme seeks to improve Beira Lake’s water quality while promoting its development as an important transportation and economic hub.
The initiative also aims to strengthen public awareness, environmental education and responsible waste disposal practices among communities and stakeholders surrounding the lake. (Newswire)