The initiative is being carried out under a joint programme between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), aimed at strengthening plastic waste management in the country.
The campaign was officially launched during a special awareness event held at the CEA on May 19, attended by around 150 schoolchildren.
As part of the programme, JICA collaborated with Sanrio Co., Ltd., the creator of Hello Kitty, to introduce the “Plastic Smart Song” in Sinhala, Tamil and English to encourage children to adopt environmentally friendly habits.
Officials said the outreach campaign is expected to inspire positive behavioural changes among students and communities while supporting the government’s “Clean Sri Lanka Initiative”.
The programme forms part of the “Project for Strengthening Plastic Management Capacity”, currently being implemented by JICA and the CEA to improve Sri Lanka’s response to plastic waste challenges.
During the launch event, students joined Hello Kitty in singing the “Plastic Smart Song”, while JICA volunteers conducted environmental awareness sessions in Sinhala.
Among those present were Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority Prof. Tilak Hewawasam, CEA Director General Kapila Rajapaksha, Managing Executive Officer for Global Sustainability at Sanrio Co., Ltd. Yuko Tsuji, JICA Sri Lanka Chief Representative Kenji Kuronuma and Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Udara I. Dikkumbura.
