Varun Beverages Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. (VBLL), a leading carbonated beverage manufacturer and the official bottling and distribution franchise of PepsiCo beverages in Sri Lanka has successfully launched a new initiative to address plastic waste pollution at Galle Face Green. In partnership with Sri Lanka Port Management and Consultancy Services (SLPMCS), Varun Beverages Lanka Pvt Ltd has installed drop-off bins for PET bottle collection, further strengthening its commitment to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and environmental sustainability. The agreement was signed by Mr. Suraj Kathurusinghe, CEO/MD of SLPMCS, and Mrs. Eresha Kumburulanda, Attorney-at-Law & Company Secretary/Head of Legal Compliance & Sustainability of Varun Beverages Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
The initiative aims to encourage visitors to Galle Face Green to dispose of their PET plastic waste responsibly. The collected bottles will be recycled, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. This project aligns with Varun Beverages Lanka Pvt Ltd’s ongoing efforts to manage waste and reduce environmental pollution, as part of its broader sustainability goals.
“We are delighted to partner with SLPMCS on this important initiative,” said Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Country Head of Varun Beverages Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. “Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and we believe that this project will make a significant contribution to reducing plastic waste and preserving the beauty of Galle Face Green. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance recycling practices and continue our role as leaders in sustainable waste management”
Mrs. Eresha Kumburulanda, Attorney-at-Law & Company Secretary/ Head of Legal Compliance & Sustainability of Varun Beverages Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, emphasized the company’s focus on EPR: “This initiative is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to Extended Producer Responsibility. By providing convenient drop-off Bins for PET bottles and providing the infrastructure for waste collection and introducing a proper recycling system at Galle Face Green, we are empowering visitors to Galle Face Green to make a positive impact on the environment.”
Mr. Sameera Asantha, Finance Manager of SLPMCS, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are proud to partner with Varun Beverages Lanka on this initiative. By working together, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable Galle Face Green for all to enjoy. In doing so, we are not only preserving this iconic location but also setting an example for environmental responsibility across Sri Lanka”
Varun Beverages Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has a strong track record in sustainability, having successfully recycled roughly 50% of PET plastic waste from its total sales over the past two years. The company’s partnership with SLPMCS for the Galle Face Green project is a testament to its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.