Celebrating World Oceans Day highlighting challenges of marine environment of Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Visitors experiencing the educational stalls

45 foot mural of a Blue Whale in Agony on

display at CCC

Vraie Balthazaar handing over prizes to the winners of World Oceans Day Through Art

The Pearl Protectors Team poses for a group

picture with the Blue Whale

Storytelling session conducted by The Pearl Protectors Team

Children’s book ‘To the Rescue of Olivia’ published during World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day was celebrated globally on 8 June to raise awareness of the vital importance of our oceans and the role they play in a healthy planet. The global theme for year 2025 was ‘Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us.’ Celebrations around the world brought people and organisations together to highlight the threats the oceans are facing and how these fragile ecosystems can be protected and conserved.

The Pearl Protectors, a youth-led marine conservation organisation, along with Colombo City Centre (CCC) and with the support of the New Zealand High Commission and Events by Shero, led Sri Lanka’s largest World Oceans Day celebration with a two-day event on 7 and 8 June. Transforming CCC into an immersive undersea spectacle, the celebration centred around a striking 45-foot ‘Blue Whale in Agony’ installation, a poignant symbol of the threats facing marine life due to human activity.

With Sri Lanka experiencing a surge in tourism, harmful practices like illegal whale encounters have increased, particularly in the southern and eastern coasts. These activities disrupt marine ecosystems and endanger whale populations. The event’s theme, ‘Ocean in Agony,’ aimed to raise awareness and inspire collective action for sustainable ocean stewardship.

A highlight of the celebration was the launch of ‘To The Rescue of Olivia,’ The Pearl Protectors’ first children’s book. Authored by Maleesha Gunawardana and illustrated by Thithali Tharushika, the book tells the true story of a rescued sea turtle, with proceeds supporting Olivia’s ongoing care.

Visitors engaged with an Ocean Advocates Corner, learning about environmental crimes such as coral destruction and illegal fishing, while an underwater VR experience offered a moving glimpse into the challenges whales face in Sri Lankan waters. The Marine Innovation Corner featured ‘Oceans-10,’ a strategy game challenging participants to address critical ocean threats. Educational stalls were also erected by Greenpeace Organisation and Ocean University of Sri Lanka.

Art and storytelling played key roles in the event. An online art contest drew submissions from across the country, with winning pieces displayed at CCC. 30 winning artworks were selected from 395 qualified submissions under the themes of ‘Whale in Agony’ and ‘Gentle Giants of the Ocean.’ Winners were awarded based on ‘School’ and ‘Open’ categories. An undersea photography exhibition showcased breathtaking marine life images alongside conservation narratives, while personal stories from divers and conservationists highlighted the beauty and fragility of the ocean.

The event also presented the Mãtha Pledge, a traveller’s commitment to protect Sri Lanka’s environment and culture through mindful, low-impact tourism.

By blending art, education, and advocacy, The Pearl Protectors successfully united the public in a shared mission to safeguard Sri Lanka’s marine heritage, making this the nation’s largest World Oceans Day observance to date.

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