ECO REEL was an online environmental awareness video competition organized by the ZeroPlastic Club, University of Ruhuna, with the objective of promoting environmental conservation, sustainability, and the reduction of plastic pollution through creative digital media. The competition provided a platform for school and university students across Sri Lanka to express their environmental concerns and innovative solutions through short video productions.
The project was developed with the aim of increasing environmental awareness among young people while encouraging creativity, communication skills, and responsible environmental behavior. Participants were invited to create videos based on environmental themes such as plastic pollution, waste management, recycling, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable lifestyles. Through this initiative, the ZeroPlastic Club sought to inspire positive environmental action and promote the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.
The project was successfully implemented by a dedicated Organizing Committee consisting of 13 members. The committee was responsible for planning, promotion, participant coordination, content development, graphic designing, and overall project management. Through effective teamwork and commitment, the committee successfully carried out all activities related to the competition.
A significant strength of the project was the partnership established with the Infocur Team of the Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna. The Infocur Team served as the official judging panel and ensured a fair, transparent, and professional evaluation process. Their contribution greatly enhanced the credibility and quality of the competition. In addition, Sigma Design Studio partnered with the project by sponsoring the printing of certificates awarded to participants and winners.
As a fully online competition, ECO REEL successfully attracted participants from several educational institutions across Sri Lanka. Submissions were received from the University of Ruhuna, University of Jaffna, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Uwa Wellassa University, MR/Yatiyana Maha Vidyalaya, Sujatha Vidyalaya Matara, G/Dharmasoka College, G/Devananda College Ambalangoda, and several other institutions. This wide participation demonstrated the project’s ability to engage both school and university students through a common digital platform while spreading environmental awareness to diverse communities.
To increase public engagement, a Most Popular Video category was introduced and evaluated through social media interactions. This category encouraged participants to promote their videos while helping the competition reach a larger audience through online platforms.
The competition concluded with the selection of winners and special merit award recipients based on the judging criteria established by the evaluation panel. The First Place Award was jointly awarded to Malsha Subhashini of G/Devananda College, Ambalangoda, Dulanja Sandaruwan of G/Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda, and Binoli Arachchige of G/Devananda College, Ambalangoda. The Third Place Award was presented to K.T. Wimansa from the University of Ruhuna. The Most Popular Video Award was won by Danuth Disanayaka from the Faculty of Technology, University of Ruhuna.
Several participants were also recognized with Special Merit Awards for their outstanding creativity and environmental messages. These recipients included Sahanmi Dinethya, Eeshani Dhanushika, Ruwani Jayathilaka, Nilushi Nisansala, and Nimesha Samadhi from the University of Ruhuna, Woshith Pabasara from MR/Yatiyana Maha Vidyalaya, and Lenard Joel from the University of Jaffna. Sachithra Sankalpa from MR/Yatiyana Maha Vidyalaya also received a Special Merit Award for his contribution.
To appreciate the efforts of all participants, E-certificates were distributed digitally. Printed certificates sponsored by Sigma Design Studio were also prepared for award winners and recognized participants. The quality of submissions reflected the creativity, environmental knowledge, and commitment of young people toward addressing environmental challenges through innovative digital storytelling.
The ECO REEL Video Competition successfully achieved its objectives by promoting environmental awareness, encouraging youth participation, and strengthening the digital outreach of the ZeroPlastic Club. The project demonstrated the effectiveness of online platforms in delivering environmental messages and fostering positive social impact. Through the dedication of the Organizing Committee, the support of project partners, and the enthusiastic participation of students from across Sri Lanka, ECO REEL became a successful and meaningful initiative that contributed to building a more environmentally conscious society.
