On October 28, 2024, the Sarasavi Nature Club, part of the Department of Environmental Management at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, organized a significant environmental cleanup at Mihintale Lake (Wawa). This initiative emphasized the university’s dedication to environmental protection, fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and the local community to improve the lake’s ecosystem.
The event commenced with an inauguration ceremony led by the chief guest, Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University, accompanied by key university figures. Notable attendees included Mr. D.A. Wehalla, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities; Prof. Manjula Ranagalage, Head of the Department of Environmental Management; Prof. S.K.N. Gamage, Head of the Department of Economics; Dr. A.M.P. Adhikari, Senior Student Counselor of the Faculty; and Dr. M.M.S.A. Marasinghe, Senior Treasurer of the Sarasavi Nature Club. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to environmental conservation and the importance of active, collaborative engagement. The campaign mobilized nearly 135 students from the Sarasavi Nature Club, with active support from academic staff of the Department of Environmental Management. The local community also participated significantly, including 10 members from the Mihintale Village Farmers’ Association, o3 representatives from the Pradeshiya Sabha, and 8 personnel from the Civil Security Department (CSD), creating a unified effort toward shared environmental goals.
Coordinated by Ms. K.D.M. Anuradha Pinsirini Bandara of the 2018/2019 Faculty batch and supported by a donation from an Australia-based reverend, the cleanup achieved remarkable results. Over five hours, the team collected approximately 400 kg of waste, revitalizing the lake area and promoting environmental awareness within the community.
Through this impactful initiative, the Sarasavi Nature Club advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically contributing to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by maintaining and protecting local water resources; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through community-led environmental action; and SDG 15: Life on Land, by fostering ecosystem health and resilience. This commitment to sustainable practices and community partnerships sets a meaningful precedent for future environmental efforts in the Mihintale area and beyond.