The ZeroPlastic club of the University of Peradeniya carried out Yuthukama 5.0, the fifth consecutive annual environmental and community service project linked to the Esala Perahera in Kandy. The project took place across two days, with a community cleanup campaign held on 15th August 2026 at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and surrounding areas, followed by an awareness walk and Dansala conducted on 22nd August 2026 in Kandy.

Yuthukama 5.0 was organized to address the environmental pollution caused by plastic, polythene, and other non-biodegradable waste that accumulates during the Esala Perahera season. The project sought to promote responsible waste management practices and encourage greater community participation in keeping the area around one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural and religious landmarks clean during a period of heightened public activity.

On 15th August, ZeroPlastic volunteers carried out a community cleanup campaign focused on the Sri Dalada Maligawa and its surrounding areas. Volunteers collected plastic, polythene, and other non-biodegradable waste from the locality, working to reduce the environmental burden associated with the large gatherings that take place during the Perahera season. The following week, on 22nd August, the project continued with an awareness walk through Kandy aimed at raising public awareness about environmental responsibility. A Dansala was also organized on the same day, providing refreshments to devotees and visitors attending the Esala Perahera while offering an opportunity to engage with the public on waste management and environmental care.

More than 250 university volunteers took part in Yuthukama 5.0 across the two project days. Through the cleanup campaign, the awareness walk, and the Dansala, volunteers directly engaged with the community in Kandy, contributing both to environmental action and to the welfare of those participating in the Perahera festivities. The project provided young volunteers with pract…