The Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival is one of the most colorful and culturally significant celebrations in Sri Lanka. While these celebrations bring people together through traditional food, games, and joyful experiences, they also often generate a large amount of plastic waste. Understanding the importance of protecting the environment while preserving tradition, the ZeroPlastic NDT Club introduced an innovative and eco-friendly concept during the NDT Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival at ITUM — “බෙලිමල් කඩේ”.
Held on 10th May 2026, the project was organized with the objective of promoting the zero-plastic concept and encouraging environmentally responsible practices among students and visitors. The initiative was led by Project Head Kavindu Mendis and Deputy Project Head Jayathma Chandeepa together with the dedicated members of the ZeroPlastic NDT Club.
One of the most unique aspects of the project was the way refreshments were served. Instead of using disposable plastic cups, the stall offered refreshing belimal drinks sweetened with traditional jaggery in reusable coconut shells. This simple but meaningful change demonstrated how traditional Sri Lankan practices can naturally support sustainability and reduce environmental pollution.
The event received the participation and support of the Director of ITUM, Major General (Retd.) S K Thirunavukarasu RSP VSV USP, academic staff members, and a large number of ITUM students. Nearly 300 visitors attended the stall and experienced the eco-friendly initiative firsthand. Many visitors appreciated the creative approach taken by the club to combine environmental awareness with Sri Lankan cultural traditions.
Beyond serving refreshments, “බෙලිමල් කඩේ” became a platform to educate people about the harmful effects of single-use plastics and the importance of adopting reusable and biodegradable alternatives. The project encouraged students and visitors to think differently about everyday plastic usage and inspired conversations about sustainable living practices.
The success of the project highlighted that environmental responsibility does not require complicated solutions. Even small actions, such as replacing plastic cups with natural alternatives, can create a significant positive impact when practiced collectively. The initiative also strengthened teamwork, leadership, creativity, and community engagement among the club members.
“බෙලිමල් කඩේ” was more than just a traditional tea stall,it was a symbol of how culture and sustainability can work together to create meaningful change. Through this initiative, the ZeroPlastic NDT Club once again demonstrated its dedication to building a cleaner, greener, and more environmentally conscious future within the ITUM community.
