The environment includes everything around us: air, water, soil, animals, plants, and the systems that connect them. Protecting it is vital for our health, economy, and future.
Sri Lanka is marking a major step forward by launching National Environment Week 2025, from May 30 to June 5, in line with World Environment Day on June 5.
This year’s campaign is led by Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi under the global theme:
“Let’s End Plastic Pollution.”
A United National Effort
The campaign brings together government bodies, schools, universities, estate companies, the private sector, NGOs, and local communities.
It calls on every citizen to take part in addressing today’s urgent environmental issues.
Daily Themes: May 30 – June 5
Each day focuses on a key concern:
- 🗓️ May 30 – Plastic Waste Management Day
- 🗓️ May 31 – Air Pollution Reduction Day
- 🗓️ June 1 – Environmental Cleanliness Awareness Day
- 🗓️ June 2 – Biodiversity Conservation Day
- 🗓️ June 3 – Water Conservation Day
- 🗓️ June 4 – Beach Cleanup Day
- 🗓️ June 5 – Tree Plantation & National Environment Day
The main celebration will be held at Freedom Square, Nidahas Mawatha, Kegalle District, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, alongside national leaders and environmental advocates.
The Plastic Pollution Crisis
Minister Patabendi emphasized the hidden dangers of plastic:
“Plastic is choking nature and putting human health at risk. The time to act is now.”
Let’s look at the numbers:
- From 2012 to 2018, Sri Lanka imported over 3.3 billion kilograms of plastic.
- Only 30% of plastic waste is recycled.
- In 2020, we generated nearly 938 tonnes of plastic daily, 638 tonnes of which went uncollected.
- Over 8.45 tonnes enter water bodies each day.
This pollution causes urban flooding, blocks drains, and spreads diseases like dengue.
Building a Cleaner Future
This campaign aligns with the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.
It promotes responsible waste management, plastic alternatives, biodiversity protection, and community action.
The goal is clear: build a country that values both development and sustainability.
A Global Platform
World Environment Day, led by UNEP, is the largest environmental event worldwide.
In 2025, it continues its global journey, with South Korea as the official host.
Together, nations aim to meet the Sustainable Development Goals—especially those related to climate action and marine protection.
A Message from Sri Lankan Scientist
We at Sri Lankan Scientist will be publishing a daily article series covering each theme of Environment Week.
We invite you to join us as we explore science, solutions, and citizen action across the country.
🌿 A National Call to Action
The environment belongs to us all. Protecting it is a shared responsibility.
By working together—across science, policy, and everyday life—we can lead the way in ending plastic pollution.
👉 Stay tuned to www.srilankanscientist.lk for daily coverage, expert insights, and inspiring stories throughout National Environment Week 2025.
