On 30th April 2025, the ZeroPlastic initiative at the University of Peradeniya reached a significant milestone in its journey of inclusivity and environmental advocacy by hosting a Special Orientation and Awareness Program exclusively for Tamil medium undergraduates. Held at the Art Theater, Faculty of Arts, the event welcomed over 230 Tamil-speaking students in response to their enthusiastic request to actively engage with the growing ZeroPlastic movement.
This landmark session proved to be more than just an introduction—it became a powerful platform for inspiration and empowerment. Through an engaging presentation, students explored the vision, achievements, and national impact of the ZeroPlastic movement. They learned how university-led initiatives are contributing to the nationwide battle against plastic pollution and how youth leadership continues to be at the heart of this transformative journey.
What made this session stand out was its emphasis on youth participation and the personal benefits of volunteering. Students were encouraged to see environmental action not only as a civic responsibility but also as a path to self-growth, nurturing leadership, teamwork, communication, and confidence.
Importantly, the event marked a breakthrough in accessibility and inclusion for the movement. By tailoring content specifically for Tamil medium students, ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya succeeded in breaking language barriers, ensuring that all voices, regardless of linguistic background, could contribute meaningfully to environmental change.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing renewed motivation to take initiative within their communities. This orientation didn’t just inform—it ignited a sense of eco-leadership and unity among students, reinforcing the belief that sustainability is a mission best pursued together.
With this successful initiative, the ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya continues to expand its reach, proving that when youth are empowered with the right knowledge and space, they become unstoppable forces for good. The seeds planted on that day are already growing into a stronger, more inclusive, and action-oriented movement toward a plastic-free Sri Lanka.
