Sri Lanka Launches ‘Plastic-Smart’ School Initiative

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA), with technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has introduced a new educational initiative aimed at helping primary school children develop responsible plastic-use habits.

The programme features a specially developed storybook, “Beat Plastic Waste Problem,” and the “Hello Kitty Plastic Smart Song”, available in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

The initiative uses stories and music instead of traditional awareness methods to help children understand plastic pollution, responsible consumption and proper disposal.

Awareness programmes have so far been conducted in 11 primary schools across districts including Kurunegala, Matara, Hambantota, Badulla, Gampaha, Puttalam, Kandy, Vavuniya, Mannar and Galle, with plans to expand the programme to more schools.

The goal: inspire a new generation to reduce plastic waste and support Sri Lanka’s transition towards a circular economy.