ZeroPlastic Society at University of Peradeniya in collaboration with ZeroPlastic National Movement initiated the inter-university society to create attitudinal awareness among the social community to mitigate single plastic usage. The project was taken place concerning the cultural significance of the year in Sri Lanka; the Kandy procession 2022. The society unveiled a campaign under the name of ‘YUTUKAMA’ for collecting plastic waste around the heritage city during the ‘Esala Perahara’ commenced. The project was conducted successfully for 11 days starting from the 2^nd to the 12^th of August 2022.

To make this project a success, over 300 energetic volunteers from inter universities of the Zeroplastic community at Open University, NIBM, Ruhuna, and the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka joined hands conjugating with the Rotaract Club of Colombo District and Leo Club of Moratuwa, sharing a common interest in preserving the cleanliness of the sacred city. Nearly 50 kg of plastic waste was collected during 11 consecutive days of the cleanup and was handed them over for recycling. Apart, a survey and an awareness were carried out by the Open University of Sri Lanka aiming to gather the opinion of locals while increasing the activism and behavioral change in the community for plastic-free Sri Lanka. The official media partner of the University of Peradeniya ‘Perabeats Life’ provided a remarkable service by covering the event ‘YUTUKAMA’.

The project ‘YUTUKAMA” was completed successfully at the end of ‘Esala Perahara’ with the active support of volunteers all over the island from over 11 state and private universities enhancing hands with Rotaract Colombo District club and Leo Club, Moratuwa initiating to create of a behavioral and attitudinal change among Sri Lankan citizens to reduce plastic waste. Currently, the ZeroPlastic community is going strong with over 12 000 volunteers to raise their voices to make positive changes in society to mitigate single usage of plastic while building demand for plastic substitutes produced by local entrepreneurs. At a time, the world is experiencing a huge threat due to plastic pollution, this sort of movement must be appreciated and encouraged to inspire the public to contribute to protecting Mother nature.

Authors: Amasha Karunarathne & Dilanka Samarawickrama
              University of Peradeniya

Editors: Mandira Kobbawala, Sujani Somathilake
              Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka