The Government is planning to launch cleaning programmes under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative targeting urban areas on 20 January, according to Clean Sri Lanka programme member Chaminda Jayasuriya.
He told The Sunday Morning that these efforts would address both physical cleanliness to create visible changes and moral reforms aimed at improving public behaviour.
The first phase of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, launched on 1 January, focuses on raising awareness and laying the groundwork for comprehensive national improvements.
The initial two to three weeks, running until 15-20 January, are dedicated to awareness campaigns addressing environmental, social, political, and ethical challenges to elevate Sri Lanka to a new standard of sustainability.
Jayasuriya stated: “These awareness programmes will focus on everything that needs to be changed in Sri Lanka to upgrade it to the next level.”
He highlighted several initiatives already underway, including efforts to discipline bus drivers, which began on Friday (3).
“We have instructed Government institution staff on how to interact with the public, including speaking politely and providing efficient service. These steps are just the beginning,” Jayasuriya said.
Plans are also in place for a nationwide beach cleanup.
“We will advertise the specific date, and everyone will be encouraged to participate in cleaning beaches. These areas will then be handed over to local villagers and hoteliers for ongoing maintenance,” Jayasuriya explained.
Jayasuriya also revealed plans to establish Clean Sri Lanka councils at village level. These councils will include community representatives responsible for ensuring cleanliness and sustainability in their respective areas.
“This is not a political initiative; we aim to involve people at every level,” Jayasuriya emphasised.
As part of the programme, the Sri Lanka Police launched a special vehicle inspection operation on Thursday (2). Instructions by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) mandate three-hour inspections twice daily across all Police divisions.
These inspections will target illegal vehicle modifications, loud silencers, and equipment that could disrupt motorists or pedestrians, without inconveniencing passengers of public transportation.
The Government’s Clean Sri Lanka project aims to make Sri Lanka the cleanest country in the Asian region.
The programme has been launched by the National People’s Power (NPP)-led Government with a focus on improving social behaviour, environmental cleanliness, and ethical standards across the country.
The initiative is part of a broader vision to elevate Sri Lanka’s environmental and moral standing while fostering a cleaner and more sustainable society.
The programme was officially launched on 1 January and is set to begin with a month-long awareness campaign, aimed at educating citizens about the changes needed to achieve its objectives.
A Clean Sri Lanka Task Force has been established to oversee the programme’s implementation, which includes collaborating with other countries to secure additional funding beyond the national budget allocation.
This effort underlines the project’s goal to ensure not only a cleaner physical environment but also to cultivate a nationwide moral commitment towards ethical principles.
The Clean Sri Lanka programme is structured around the three pillars of sustainability – Economic, Social, and Governance (ESG) – which form the framework for its strategic plan. Specific goals, actions, timelines, and outcomes have been outlined to achieve these objectives.