This June, The Shoppes at City of Dreams Sri Lanka is inviting families, young creators and ocean lovers to dive beneath the surface for a weekend inspired by the beauty, wonder and importance of our oceans.

In partnership with renowned marine conservation organisation The Pearl Protectors, The Shoppes will celebrate World Oceans Day 2026 on June 6 and 7 with an exciting line-up of interactive workshops, hands-on art experiences and family-friendly activities designed to spark creativity while encouraging greater awareness about protecting marine life.

Blending education with entertainment, the collaboration transforms The Shoppes into more than just a retail destination — creating a vibrant community space where families can spend quality time together while engaging in meaningful experiences that inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the “Reef Builders” workshops, where children and teens can create their own cardboard sea creatures ranging from jellyfish and turtles to sharks and reef fish. Designed for two age groups, the sessions combine storytelling, creativity and conservation in a fun and engaging way. The “Tide Pool Crew” session for children aged 4 to 9 will feature story time, creature cards and colourful take-home creations, while the “Deep Reef Crew” for ages 10 and above will introduce participants to real-world ocean challenges, species conservation and marine ecosystems through conversation and interactive building activities.

Adding another creative dimension to the celebrations is the World Oceans Day Art Competition, which invites participants to express their love for the ocean through hand-painted artwork, digital art and digital imagery. Inspired by themes such as “Echoes of the Wounded” and “The View from Below,” the competition encourages artists to reflect on the beauty of marine life as well as the urgent need to protect it. Entries are open now, with submissions closing on May 31.

Observed globally each year on June 8, World Oceans Day is a reminder of the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth — from producing oxygen and regulating climate to supporting biodiversity and livelihoods around the world. In Sri Lanka, where the ocean is deeply woven into the country’s identity, conservation efforts have become increasingly important in safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.

The Pearl Protectors, one of Sri Lanka’s leading youth-led marine conservation organisations, has been at the forefront of this movement through impactful initiatives focused on reducing marine pollution, protecting biodiversity and building environmental awareness among communities and young people alike.

Together, The Shoppes and The Pearl Protectors aim to create a World Oceans Day celebration that is educational, immersive and memorable — proving that sustainability conversations can also be creative, inclusive and fun for the entire family.

To register for the art competition visit https://bit.ly/WODART26 or for the workshops visit https://bit.ly/wod26workshop