Impact Center by ZeroPlastic

10/09/2026

The Impact Center Avenue of ZeroPlastic Colombo Community, University of Colombo, organized Project හස්තසාර (Hasthasara) to recognize local artisans working with sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The grand finale took place on 01 September 2026 at the University of Colombo premises.

Twenty local craftsmen took part in a competition, presenting innovative products made from sustainable materials. The event highlighted traditional craftsmanship that aligns with environmentally responsible practices, giving artisans a platform to showcase their skills and gain wider recognition.

The grand finale was attended by Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, and Mr. Nishshanka de Silva, Founder of ZeroPlastic National Movement. A qualified judging panel representing the National Crafts Council evaluated the competing products.

Project හස්තසාර was organized in collaboration with the National Crafts Council, whose support helped connect traditional craft knowledge with sustainable production.

By celebrating artisans who work with eco-friendly materials, initiatives like හස්තසාර strengthen the connection between local craft traditions and environmental responsibility.

Want to get involved or learn more? Start here: https://www.zeroplastic.lk/

09/09/2026

08/09/2026

Our Impact Center By ZeroPlastic stands open for the , no gates, no fees.

If someone from the surrounding villages wants to learn, improve a skill, understand how to reduce plastic, reuse waste materials, or find a way to benefit from tourism, our team is here to support them.

For us, sustainable tourism is not only about attracting more visitors to Sigiriya.

A truly sustainable destination must also create opportunities for the people who live there.

Yesterday, members of the surrounding community joined us for a hands-on workshop focused on and turning discarded coconut shells into useful and reusable products.

We are helping rebuild the capacity of the Sigiriya community to see waste differently.

A coconut shell does not always have to become waste. With the right skills, it can become a reusable product, a craft, and even a source of income.

Our objective is to connect these skills with the tourism economy around Sigiriya, so local families can directly benefit from the visitors coming to the destination.

plastic. local materials. skills. income.

This is the kind of sustainable tourism we want to build in Sigiriya, where the community is not left outside, but becomes part of the journey and benefits from it.

This community engagement initiative is supported by Intrepid Travel.

07/09/2026

Eco Think 2026 reached its Grand Finale as the top five finalist teams presented their research and innovative solutions to a panel of evaluators. The competition brought together young minds working on environmental challenges, with each team showcasing original ideas developed through their research process.

Following the evaluation, the top three winning teams were selected. Their first, second, and third place awards will be officially announced and presented at the EcoVision 2026 Awards Ceremony.

Eco Think 2026 provided a platform for participants to develop and present research-driven solutions, building the kind of critical thinking and problem-solving that meaningful environmental work requires.

Congratulations to all the finalist teams for their dedication and effort throughout the competition.

Want to get involved or learn more? Start here: https://www.zeroplastic.lk/

07/09/2026

What happens when we stop looking at waste as waste?

Around our ZeroPlastic Impact Center in Sigiriya, we are training local communities to turn discarded coconut shells into beautiful, useful products.

At the same time, we are onboarding surrounding households to supply their waste coconut shells to us for payment, creating a small but meaningful additional income stream.

We also train local people to understand what we are building, why it matters, and how they can become part of this journey.

This is not only about making products from waste.

It is about creating skills, income opportunities, and a stronger connection between the community and the circular economy.

None of this would have been possible without the continued support of Intrepid Travel.

Grateful to see local communities becoming part of the solution, not just beneficiaries of it.

02/09/2026

The ZeroPlastic Society of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka joined hands with the Kalyani Foundation to carry out the Kalyani EarthCare Cleanup Project on August 16, 2026, at Inamaluwa, Sigiriya. The project focused on environmental restoration around one of Sri Lanka's most valued heritage sites.

Volunteers covered a cleanup route stretching from Kalyani School, Rotawewa to the Impact Center, Sigiriya, collecting and removing plastic waste and other debris from areas surrounding high-biodiversity ecosystems. The effort combined direct field action with community engagement to address localized waste accumulation near the heritage site.

The cleanup contributed to reducing plastic pollution in ecologically sensitive surroundings while raising public awareness about responsible waste management and environmental care in the Sigiriya area.

The Dambulla Pradeshiya Sabha supported the project by assisting with waste collection, and the Kalyani Foundation partnered in organizing and executing the initiative.

Every cleanup counts. Join the movement and take part in what comes next.

Want to get involved or learn more? Start here: https://www.zeroplastic.lk/

31/08/2026

Yuthukama 5.0, the fifth consecutive annual environmental and community service initiative by ZeroPlastic, University of Peradeniya, returned to Kandy this August in conjunction with the Esala Perahera season.

On 15th August 2026, more than 250 university volunteers took part in a community cleanup campaign at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and surrounding areas, collecting plastic, polythene, and other non-biodegradable waste. On 22nd August 2026, an awareness walk and Dansala were held in Kandy, raising environmental awareness among devotees and visitors while supporting the community during the Perahera season.

Now in its fifth year, Yuthukama continues to promote the concept of a "Thirasara Perahera," a sustainable Perahera, encouraging responsible waste management and greater environmental care within one of Sri Lanka's most significant cultural celebrations.

The dedication of ZeroPlastic volunteers in sustaining this initiative year after year reflects a genuine commitment to reducing plastic pollution at the community level.

Want to get involved or learn more? Start here: https://www.zeroplastic.lk/

27/08/2026

Operation Earthcare brought ZeroPlastic volunteers together for a road clean-up along the Athugala Road in Kurunegala. The initiative focused on removing litter and waste from the roadside and surrounding areas to improve the cleanliness and appearance of the locality.

Volunteers worked as a team to collect and clear waste along the route, contributing to a cleaner environment around Athugala while reinforcing responsible waste disposal practices within the group and the wider community.

Beyond the immediate clean-up, the project gave volunteers a hands-on opportunity to strengthen their environmental awareness and engage directly with the condition of public spaces in their area. Activities like these help build a habit of care for shared surroundings.

Every clean-up counts. Want to get involved or learn more? Start here: https://www.zeroplastic.lk/

24/08/2026

Green Canvas Collective brought together creativity and sustainability by identifying talented artists who design products from recycled, upcycled, and sustainable materials. Organized by ZeroPlastic, the initiative provided a dedicated platform to promote their work and connect them with wider audiences.

Through the project, artists were given the opportunity to showcase their eco-friendly creations, reach potential customers, and build connections rooted in environmentally responsible art and entrepreneurship. The initiative also raised awareness about sustainable practices and the value of reusing materials through creative expression.

By linking creativity with sustainability, Green Canvas Collective helped build a community where artists gain greater visibility for their work while encouraging others to rethink how everyday materials can be repurposed. The project highlights how art and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Want to get involved or learn more? Start here: https://www.zeroplastic.lk/

23/08/2026

Is our Impact Center By ZeroPlastic for only? We don't think so.
True change doesn't happen just by educating . It happens when local take the lead and drive sustainable solutions.

We had the privilege of hosting 40+ members of the Community Conservation Groups from Kalpitiya—spanning both local fishing and tourism communities—at our Sigiriya Impact Center.

Organized by IUCN under the Sri Lanka Coral Reef Initiative, this visit allowed us to engage directly on Sri Lanka's plastic challenges, examine alternative materials, and explore pathways for locals to become eco-entrepreneurs using waste.
Whether it’s school children, university students, or coastal communities, everyone across Sri Lanka deserves to be an active part of this movement.
A big thank you to , Chinthana Duminduhewa, PhD , and Dinithi Samarathunga for making this visit possible and supporting impact-driven community engagement!