From Waste to Wonder: How 11,000 Plastic Caps Became a Symbol of Change at Maradana Railway Station

In an inspiring act of creativity and environmental responsibility, a group of passionate ZeroPlastic – University of Kelaniya Club volunteers took on a mission to transform waste into a statement.

Their journey began along the railway track stretching from Mt. Lavinia to Maradana, where the volunteers collected more than 11,000 discarded plastic bottle caps. What was once overlooked litter became the foundation for something extraordinary.

Through a meaningful partnership with Katana Upcycle, these bottle caps were given a second life — molded and crafted into a stunning upcycled bench, now proudly placed at Maradana Railway Station.

And it sits, symbolically, right where the waste once was.

This bench is more than a place to rest. It’s a lesson in accountability and creativity — reminding every passerby that what we discard doesn’t disappear. It either pollutes our planet or, when guided by innovation and purpose, becomes a product that inspires change.

Today, this vibrant creation is turning heads — from daily commuters to media outlets — sparking conversations about sustainability, design, and responsibility. It stands as a testament to what happens when youth unite for a cause greater than themselves.

👏 A heartfelt thank you to Virochana Piyushana and the entire ZeroPlastic University of Kelaniya team for their dedication, innovation, and unwavering spirit.

At ZeroPlastic, this is what we believe in — turning awareness into action, and every act of reuse into a reminder that we must use it, and learn the disaster.

Introducing the ZeroPlastic Commitment Standard – the world’s first certification focused solely on refusing and reducing single-use plastics.

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