A Journey Towards Cleaner Beaches

"Blue Revive 24/25" is a social service project carried out under the environmental service wing of the Rotaract Club. The initiative aimed to address the pressing issue of beach pollution through a series of cleanup drives. This project was executed in two phases, both sponsored by "Parley," and sought not only to clean up the beaches but also to foster qualities such as teamwork, responsibility, and environmental awareness among participants.

Phase One: Mount Lavinia Beach Cleanup

The first phase of "Blue Revive 24/25" took place at Mount Lavinia Beach on Sunday, 2024.09.08. With meticulous planning and the support of "Parley," we commenced the event at 7:15 a.m. An official from "Parley" addressed the volunteers at the beginning, explaining the significance of beach cleanups in combating marine pollution.

Despite the challenging weather, we remained committed and worked diligently to collect non-biodegradable waste, primarily plastic and polythene, categorizing them into soft and hard plastic. By 10:30 a.m., we had removed an astonishing one ton of waste, which was handed over to local authorities for proper disposal.

With this event we were able to highlight the alarming reality of plastic pollution, which poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and human health. According to UNESCO, trillions of plastic pieces are scattered in the oceans, with millions more added annually. I think through the first phase of "Blue Revive 24/25" we underscored the importance of reducing plastic waste to protect our planet.

Phase Two: Wellawatta Beach Cleanup

We did the second phase of the project as a joint initiative by the Rotaract Clubs of Sri Lanka Technological Campus and the University of Moratuwa. Held on 5th of January 2025 at Wellawatta Beach, we were able to further solidify the project's impact.

Starting at 7:30 a.m., the volunteers once again demonstrated their dedication to environmental conservation. With the guidance of "Parley" and the collaboration of both Rotaract Clubs, the cleanup operation resulted in the removal of 121 kilograms of waste from Wellawatta Beach. The event concluded at 10:00 a.m. with refreshments and a heartfelt exchange of gratitude between the volunteers and the sponsors.

Being one of the co-chairpersons of "Blue Revive 24/25" has been a truly transformative journey. This project not only allowed me to contribute to a vital environmental cause but also gave me the opportunity to grow as a person. Organizing and executing these cleanup drives taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and effective communication. It was heartening to see the passion and dedication of every volunteer, who worked tirelessly toward a common goal.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey was the connections I made. Collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds, sharing ideas, and working together strengthened our bond as a team. Seeing the positive impact, we created on the beaches was a moment of pride for all of us.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow co-chairpersons, Sheron Rackesh and Minsandi Weerartne, whose unwavering support and commitment made this project a success. A special thank you to the directors who guided us at every step, offering their valuable insights and encouragement. Without their leadership and teamwork, this project would not have been possible.

"Blue Revive 24/25" has been more than just a project, it has been an incredible experience that has inspired me to continue contributing toward a cleaner and healthier environment.