President's Ambitious Plan: Can 'Clean Sri Lanka' Rebuild a Fractured Nation?

Colombo, January 1 - The newly launched "Clean Sri Lanka" program, aimed at rebuilding a fractured nation, has sparked curiosity among citizens and environmentalists alike. Launched on the first working day of the New Year, the initiative aims to uplift society through social, environmental, and ethical revival.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that addressing rural poverty, implementing the Clean Sri Lanka program, and building a digital economy are among the government's primary developmental goals. The program was officially launched via an Extraordinary Gazette Number 2415/59 on December 19, 2024.

The initiative appears to be a step in the right direction, as it seeks to tackle long-standing issues such as waste management and environmental degradation. However, environmental experts caution that the government must address underlying practical challenges and discrepancies.

Despite launching efforts to build sustainable infrastructure, such as the Kerawalapitiya waste-to-energy plant, which utilizes 600-800 tonnes of waste daily, concerns remain about private companies encroaching on protected wetlands like the Muthurajawela. The plant's construction has raised questions about its impact on the environment.

Environmentalists and conservationists have faced criticism over their stance against recent government decisions deemed short-sighted by some. In the past, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa took similar measures to protect the environment but failed to effectively enforce them.

The government's new initiative requires more than just launching a program; it demands discipline and moral upbringing among citizens to adopt environmental stewardship habits. University students and dedicated groups have been conducting "shramadana" campaigns to keep their communities clean, highlighting the need for collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.

Article 28(f) of the Sri Lankan Constitution emphasizes the right to a clean environment for all citizens. The government's ambitious plan, or "Clean Sri Lanka," depends on its ability to instill a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness among everyone.