On 29th May 2026, the ZeroPlastic Club of the University of Ruhuna organised an environmental awareness programme titled හරිත දම්රැස් 2026 at Midellawala Purana Maha Viharaya, combining the spirit of the Vesak season with practical efforts to reduce single-use plastic and polythene among devotees attending religious observances.

Exchanging Plastic for Greener Alternatives

The programme was designed around two practical exchange activities that connected environmental responsibility with the everyday habits of temple visitors. Devotees who arrived carrying flowers in polythene bags were offered specially prepared polkola flower baskets as a biodegradable alternative. This simple swap addressed one of the most common sources of plastic waste at religious sites, where polythene bags are routinely used to carry flower offerings.

In a second activity, devotees were encouraged to hand over their used plastic bottles in exchange for Mee plant saplings. The exchange served a dual purpose: it removed plastic waste from the temple environment while distributing native tree saplings that participants could plant in their own surroundings, supporting both waste reduction and biodiversity.

All plastic bottles and polythene collected during the programme were handed over to the Municipal Council for responsible disposal, ensuring that the waste gathered through the exchange activities was managed through an appropriate waste collection channel.

Awareness Alongside Action

Beyond the exchange activities, the programme included environmental awareness efforts focused on the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the importance of adopting sustainable alternatives in daily life. Volunteers from the ZeroPlastic Club engaged with devotees directly, drawing attention to the environmental cost of disposable plastics and highlighting how s…