Arts
Keeping clean a beach full of memories
When Sri Lankans think of the Mount Lavinia Beach, we envision clear blue waves rolling gently towards long stretches of golden sand abundant with seashells, sand crabs and people milling about having fun… yet the reality today at Mount Lavinia beach, is that all there is to see is garbage littering the ocean and beach.
Everyone doing their bit (above and below)
From discarded wrappers of ice lollies and washing powder packets, plastic bottles, soda cans to gunney bags and more, it is a horrible sight especially for those who have been living next to Mount beach for most of their lives.
A problem that would have gone unnoticed was brought to public attention by a group of young women–Raabiah Latiff, Ruwanjala Jayawardena, sisters Rachel Amaya and Anneka Maria Dias Bandaranayke and the collective effort of their neighbourhood.
Their families having lived right by the Mount Lavinia Beach for over three generations, they tell us that the beach means everything to them as some of their best memories were made together there.
“We weren’t aware of the situation until a few of the adults in our neighbourhood went down to the beach for a walk. Then we got a call asking us to come to help clean the garbage so we went immediately. The garbage situation was terrible,” they tell us.
Although there were a few Abans workers (contracted by Clean Tech) and police including the Environmental Police already doing their part, the girls knew that social media was a powerful tool in spreading the message of what was happening there. “We decided to come together to form a team and take to our social media platforms to create awareness and encourage our friends to come join us in restoring our beach,” they share.
Showing the way: Anneka, Raabiah, Ruwanjala and Rachel
They are quick to point out that the Abans workers and the Environmental Police deserve credit and recognition for all that they have done.
In the beginning, the neighbourhood folk would spend at least two hours every day picking up trash while spreading word of the issue. “We were motivated and inspired by the amount of people that turned up each day, to help us out and some just to encourage us. It was very humbling to be able to work with the Abans workers and Environmental Police supporting them in the little way we could,” they say adding that the Abans workers seemed more motivated with their help. The challenge didn’t seem as impossible as it did on the very first day.
Social media played a major role in spreading awareness and organizing beach clean-ups for this team as they had been able to speak to many marine life experts and organisations, social media influencers who helped spread awareness and enlist people to come and help. They express their gratitude towards everyone who supported them.
Asked about what they have taken away from this experience they say that they have realised that everyone needs to play their part in being the change they want to see in the world.
“The Earth is our home and it’s all we have so it’s important to keep it safe and pollution free,” is their message.
With their page on Facebook and Instagram (@itsmountbeach), they were able to update and inform people of the progress made in cleaning up the beach. Follow them to find out more on how you can join the cause.