Vidullanka launches river cleaning project under waste-management initiative ‘We Manage’

Purported to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Dunhinda stands majestically amid the hustle-bustle of Badulla. But hidden behind this beauty is an aspect to which many are not privy. 

With a heavy waste flow in the Baduluoya River (the river which runs into the Dunhinda falls) and to the Dunhinda Falls, Vidullanka PLC’s Ridheepana Mini-Hydro Power Plant launched a river cleaning process under the waste-management initiative ‘We Manage’ (WM) on 21 April. This program is in line with the ‘Surakimu Ganga’ National Program on Conservation of Rivers in Sri Lanka.

The program was successfully launched in Kailagoda, Badulla. This was in the presence of Central Environment Authority (CEA) Director – Uva Province M.A.C. Najeeb, Badulla Divisional Secretary Priyanga Dissanayake, CEA Assistant Director – Uva Province M.K.J.M. Sadaath, Grama Niladhari Thilini Dissanayake and several other related private and sector officials in a ceremonious event launch.

CEA Director Najeeb said: “This is an innovative and unique waste collection method to be implemented in Sri Lanka.” 

From left: Vidullanka Director Operations Roshan Siriwardana, Badulla Divisional Secretary Priyanga Dissanayake, CEA Director – Uva Province M.A.C. Najeeb, CEA Assistant Director –Uva Province M.K.J.M. Sadaath and Grama Niladhari Thilini Dissanayake

The initiative was spearheaded by Vidullanka PLC Director Operations Roshan Siriwardena, who stated: “‘We Manage’ is a simple yet highly effective initiative stemming from the concept of public responsibility that has been bestowed on all Sri Lankans. It is the newest green entitative program commenced by Vidullanka PLC. Through this program, we intend to convey it is the duty of the public to collectively get together and take this initiative forward than awaiting any other parties’ intervention. Hence, Vidullanka has taken the first step. Further our aim of this project to add job opportunities, educate people, create awareness and promote the urgent need to protect the river and riverine environment for future generations.” 

He added that Vidullanka PLC would be launching similar programs on other impacted streams throughout the country. To conduct this program efficiently, Vidullanka has implemented several innovative solutions and processes as well.

‘We Manage’ is part of Vidullanka’s flagship CSR umbrella, ‘Vidu Saviya – Gamata Eliyak’.