Varun Beverages Lanka Pvt Ltd Marked World Environment Day at St. Sebastian College with a series of impactful activities aimed at fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainable plastic usage among students. This initiative aligns with the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and plastic waste management as part of its broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
The event featured educational sessions on sustainable ways to use plastic responsibly, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic pollution in line with the global theme of “Beat Plastic Pollution” for this year’s World Environment Day. Additionally, special emphasis was placed on the proper disposal of plastic waste to prevent environmental contamination and promote effective recycling. To engage students creatively, an art competition was organized, encouraging young minds to express their ideas on environmental conservation and the responsible use and disposal of plastics.
Mrs. Eresha Kumburulanda, 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 St. Sebastian College to actively participate in collecting and recycling PET bottles. As part of this program, we also conduct a Home-to-School project, which engages students and their families across various districts to raise awareness and encourage responsible plastic waste management from home to school. 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 facilitate better segregation and collection of plastic waste, encouraging students to develop sustainable habits. The art competition provided a platform for students to creatively express their commitment to environmental protection and responsible plastic use. In line with the theme and to further raise awareness among the public, we conducted two guest lectures for both the students and members of the school’s nature club and also planted coconut trees on the school premises.
This World Environment Day celebration at St. Sebastian College is a testament to Varun Beverages Lanka’s ongoing commitment to environmental education, sustainable waste management, and community empowerment, reinforcing their role as a leader in Sri Lanka’s green initiatives.