Bamboo Bliss 2025: Restoring Riverbanks Through Community Action

Bamboo Bliss 2025, a riverbank conservation initiative by ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya, was successfully concluded on the 18th of May 2025 with strong community participation along the Mahaweli River.

This project focused on preventing riverbank erosion through strategic bamboo planting near the Sarasavi Madura Hostel, University of Peradeniya, in collaboration with the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.

The project was implemented under the leadership of:

Professor Terence Madujith – Vice-Chancellor, University of Peradeniya
Ms. Nilmini Ekanayaka – Assistant Director, Forest and Environmental Conservation Unit, Mahaweli Authority

Special thanks to Dr. Kanthi Hettigoda, Warden of the Sarasavi Madura residential complex, for her coordination and support.

Over 200 student volunteers participated in planting bamboo groves near Sarasavi Madura, contributing to long-term environmental benefits such as riverbank stabilization and habitat restoration.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Environmental and Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority for providing bamboo seedlings and technical guidance, and to the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) for their valuable support of the initiative.

Bamboo Bliss 2025 is a testament to the power of community-driven environmental action in preserving and protecting our natural heritage.