Unilever, CEA and MEPA enter into partnership for sustainable future

Unilever Sri Lanka Country Safety, Health and Environment Manager Anushka Kumarasinghe, Supply Chain Director Damith Abeyratne, Chairman and CEO Ali Tariq, Environment Ministry Secretary B.K.P. Chandrakeerthi, Central Environmental Authority Chairman Venura Fernando, Central Environmental Authority Director General Hemantha Jayasinghe, and Marine Environment Protection Authority Chairman Asela Rekawa

Unilever Sri Lanka recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Environmental Authority and the Marine Environment Protection Authority to clean and step up the health of the Kelani River which provides drinking water to four million Sri Lankans. 

Unilever said the move was part of its broader sustainability agenda, and it remains committed to collecting over 100% of the equivalent plastic it sells into the domestic market. A key enabler of this will be the public-private partnership between Unilever, CEA and MEPA.

Unilever Sri Lanka Chairman and CEO Ali Tariq said: “In our efforts to create a circular economy for plastics, we are proud to confirm that over the last two years we have collected +100% of the equivalent plastic volume that we have sold through our products. The Kelani River clean-up partnership will enable our commitment to continue to do so and support the national agenda of ‘Extended Producer Responsibility for plastic manufacturers’. A clean Kelani River will not only provide safe drinking water but also foster a thriving environment for fishing and tourism, creating opportunities and improve living standards.”

Central Environmental Authority Chairman Venura Fernando said: “We find it promising to witness corporates such as Unilever stepping in to fulfil their ‘Extended Producer Responsibilities’ through enduring commitments and partnerships. The collaboration with Unilever Sri Lanka on the Kelani River cleanup project exemplifies this effort. Public-Private Partnerships will play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges, and we are optimistic that this initiative will effectively harness the combined expertise of both sectors for a sustainable future.”

This five-year project will encompass multiple activities, including cleaning programs along the river, the adjoining beaches and the seabed. These will be implemented in collaboration with local councils, and through community engagement and training to raise awareness amongst schoolchildren, residents and local authority workers, and the installation of floating barriers to prevent further pollution. The initiatives will focus on the mouth of the river to prioritise the health of the coastal ecosystems and marine life.

Marine Environment Protection Authority Chairman Asela Rekawa said: “MEPA is fully supportive of this project and recognises the importance of protecting our precious marine environment. The Kelani River feeds directly into the ocean, and effective waste management practices are crucial to safeguard our marine resources.”

The project adds to Unilever Sri Lanka’s broader sustainability agenda. The latter extends to also addressing climate change, protecting nature, promoting responsible plastic use, and recognising the vital role healthy ecosystems play in supporting livelihoods.