Sri Pada 2019 Clean-up Project

About 232 Members of the Young Biologists’ Association (YBA), with the help of Shangri La Golf Resort & Spa, Hambantota and FAPM Nature Team of Wayamba University, collected approximately 800 kg of polythene and plastic at Sri Pada, for the 7th consecutive year.

The event was sponsored by Bank of Ceylon, with the purpose of conserving and keeping the environment clean and healthy.

The 2- day programme commenced with research and study along the RatnapuraPalabaddala trail, as it has been recognised as an excellent place for researchers, students and other nature enthusiasts for observing numerous species of flora and fauna.

On Day-2, after observing the sun worship and religious rituals, the cleaning up of the Hatton-Nallathanni trail commenced, starting from the Peak. It is the easiest route to reach the summit and hence, used by most visitors. Due to this very reason, it becomes the most polluted path.

YBA Member Miss Ayodaya Sovis, a keen nature lover said, "This gave us an ample opportunity to get a lifetime experience and find new companionship too among our nature lovers. So let’s get together next year too, and do something for our mother nature." They said their message was that the Adam’s Peak, the well renowned religious destination, declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and visited annually by about 65,000 visitors, both local and foreign, should indeed be protected by all, regardless of their religion, caste or nationality.

- K.L. Richard Walter Perera