World Oceans Day will be celebrated at Colombo City Center on 07th & 08th June. Colombo City Centre will convert to an Undersea Spectacle featuring the largest mural of a Blue Whale in Agony. The Pearl Protectors-a youth led marine conservation organization in Sri Lanka is collaborating with Colombo City Center-a premier shopping mall in Sri Lanka in celebrating the World Oceans Day with the support of the New Zealand High Commission.
As Sri Lanka starts to witness increased numbers of visitors arriving in Sri Lanka, challenges through over tourism, illegal and unethical environmental experience experiences have been on the increase. Due to the lack of knowledge on visitor awareness on the environmental implications and through illegal or poor environmental experience practices by tour operators, Sri Lanka’s marine and terrestrial environment has seen significant ecosystem de- escalations. Whale’s in Sri Lanka where some are residential to our sea has seen an increase in swimming/snorkeling with whales which induces stress to the whale population. These illegal experiences are on the increase in the South and East of Sri Lanka where such tour operators have targeted monetary income through unaware visitors while disregarding the impact on the marine environment and the whale population. The Blue Whale mural will symbolize the agony of the whales faced in the waters of Sri Lanka.
The Pearl Protectors have introduced the Mãtha Pledge for visitors traveling to Sri Lanka and will be featured during the World Oceans Day. The Mãtha Pledge is a devotion to protect Sri Lanka when travelling. The pledge commits to be compassionate for the island, sea, nature and its culture by treading lightly and leaving no trace. It means travelling consciously and being considerate for others around you. It also means that you have respect for culture and that you travel with an open heart and mind.
World Oceans Day takes place every year on June 8 to raise awareness of the vital importance of our oceans and the role they play in a healthy planet. The global theme for year 2025: Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us. Celebrations around the world bring people and organizations together to highlight the threats the oceans are facing and how these fragile ecosystems can be protected and conserved.
As a marine conservation organization, The Pearl Protectors will use this opportunity to educate the public about the impact of human actions on the oceans and to mobilize and unite the people of Sri Lanka to advocate for sustainable stewardship of the world’s oceans under the theme of Ocean in Agony. The Oceans Day celebration will be held June 7-8 at Colombo City Center. The weekend will kick off on June 7 with a mural launch and continue to June 8 with an exhibition that will include two days of awareness activity, innovation corner, stalls and exhibits. The festivities will be rounded out by an online art contest. This will be Sri Lanka’s largest World Oceans Day celebration.
Some of the key features this weekend will be:
- Largest Blue Whale Mural (Whale in Agony)
A 40ft Blue Whale mural will be installed at the venue depicting the agony of the whale showcasing its dive to the deep blue depths. A installation like nothing ever seen before in Sri Lanka. Stretching across the CCC atrium, this breathtaking masterpiece captures the scale and beauty of marine life.
- Featuring Mãtha Pledge
The pledge provides the knowledge for any visitor traveling to Sri Lanka on the best practices on experience based on three promises: Neela Promise (Marine), Haritha Promise (Terrestrial) and Peetha Promise (Cultural)
- Ocean Advocates Corner
The Advocacy Corner aims to inform visitors about common environmental crimes affecting the marine environment, such as coral damage, illegal fishing, and unethical tourism practices. It highlights existing laws and gaps in enforcement, and encourages responsible behaviour when exploring marine spaces. Visitors can learn what actions are considered harmful or illegal, share personal experiences, and report offences anonymously. The space also supports ongoing advocacy for stronger marine protection through public input and awareness.
- Underwater Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR)
Immerse yourself in a breathtaking yet heart-wrenching Virtual Reality journey that reveals the hidden struggles of whales in Sri Lanka’s waters. Step into the ocean and witness firsthand the distress caused by unregulated whale- watching activities and the peril of entanglement in abandoned fishing gear. Feel the disruption of overcrowded boats, experience the weight of deadly nets, and understand the urgent need for responsible marine tourism. This cutting-edge VR experience offers a rare glimpse into the world of these majestic creatures, urging us to protect their fragile home before it’s too late.
- Marine Innovation Corner
Oceans-10 is developed for our ocean; this fast-paced marine conservation strategy game throws you into the heart of 10 of today’s biggest ocean challenges. With iconic marine species on the line, you’ll need sharp strategy, bold innovation – and a whole lot of to win.
- Stories from the Sea
This line of activities will be featuring individual and organization stories on conservation and stories from the sea. It is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the ocean and inspire more individuals to love and care for the ocean.
- Ocean Art Exhibition
As in the previous four years, the Pearl Protectors have once again decided to celebrate the oceans through the power of art. In this way, people of all ages have the opportunity to actively participate in the World Oceans Day celebrations. Over the course of (5 weeks approx.) participants can upload their artwork online at pearlprotectors.org. The submitted artworks will be divided into two categories: Open Category and School Category. On June 8, the winners in both categories will be highlighted on the website and other selected works will be published. In addition, the winning artworks will be displayed at Colombo City Center during the Oceans Day celebrations (June 7
– 8). The main themes of the competition are; “Agony of a Whale” and ” Gentle Giants of the Ocean.”
- Undersea Photography Exhibition
The exhibition will feature unique photographs shared by renowned Sri Lankan underwater photographers revealing the full spectrum of ocean life with stunning imagery of marine life encounters, seascapes, and beautiful interpretations of the human-ocean connection. The exhibition will also feature ocean conservation-based photography depicting the many challenges the ocean is facing. All photo images displays will carry a story of the photographer and about the image on exhibit.
- Ocean Action
A series of engaging public awareness activities aimed at tackling Sri Lanka’s most pressing marine environmental challenges. Through interactive discussions, expert-led workshops, and collaborative problem-solving sessions, participants will explore real-world solutions to issues such as plastic pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and marine habitat destruction. Expert facilitators will share insights on these challenges while guiding the audience in developing actionable strategies to protect Sri Lanka’s rich marine ecosystems. Be part of the movement to safeguard our oceans—because the future of our seas depends on the actions we take today.
- Be a Scuba
Live scuba gear will be at the venue showcasing the step-by-step process to venture out into the sea as a scuba diver. The session will highlight the importance of conservation diving which a healthy alternative to recreational is diving. Scuba divers will share stories from the bottom of the sea to inspire the next generation of scuba divers in Sri Lanka
The Mural will be in place from 6th June to 27th June 2025. Inviting school children, marine environmental enthusiast, travelers and experience seekers in Sri Lanka, curios minds to learn more about the ocean and the challenges it faces.