Varun Beverages Lanka Pvt Ltd. marked World Environment Day 2026 at Seelawimala Dhamma School, Pore Purana Sri Maha Viharaya, Athurugiriya, through a series of meaningful activities aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and promoting responsible plastic use among Dhamma school students.

The initiative was conducted under the theme “Taking action today for a safer, greener and more sustainable tomorrow,” reflecting the company’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability, plastic waste management, and community engagement.

The event featured educational sessions on sustainable plastic use, responsible disposal, and the importance of recycling awareness and tree planting session. Special attention was given to the proper segregation and collection of plastic waste to reduce environmental pollution and support circular economy practices. To encourage student participation, an art competition was also organized, allowing young minds to creatively express their ideas on environmental conservation, plastic recycling, and responsible waste management.

The programme also aligns with Sri Lanka’s growing focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which is being introduced under the environmental regulatory framework as a new approach to strengthen producer responsibility for post-consumer packaging waste. Through EPR, companies are expected to take greater responsibility for the collection, recovery, and recycling of packaging materials placed in the market.

Mrs. Eresha Kumburulanda, Attorney-at-law, Head-Legal Compliance and Sustainability at Varun Beverages Lanka Pvt Ltd, highlighted the company’s dedication to improving PET plastic collection and recycling processes. She stated, “At Varun Beverages Lanka, we recognize PET plastic as a valuable resource that must be managed responsibly. Our initiatives, including the ‘Clean Green Sri Lanka’ program, empower communities and institutions like Dhamma school to actively participate in collecting and recycling PET bottles. As part of this program, we also conduct a PET collection program, which engages students and their families across various districts to raise awareness and encourage responsible plastic waste management. By improving collection infrastructure and raising awareness, we aim to increase recycling rates significantly. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also fosters a culture of responsibility among the youth, who are the custodians of our planet’s future.”

As part of the event, new bins were installed to improve the segregation and collection of plastic waste within the school and temple premises. The PET collection competition was introduced to motivate students to actively participate in recycling activities and develop sustainable habits from a young age. In addition, a tree planting programme was conducted within the temple premises, further contributing to the environmental value of the event.

This World Environment Day celebration at Seelawimala Dhamma School stands as a reflection of Varun Beverages Lanka’s ongoing commitment to environmental education, sustainable plastic waste management, PET collection, and community empowerment. Through such initiatives, the company continues to support Sri Lanka’s transition towards a cleaner, greener, and more responsible future.