“If we stay clean, our country stays clean”- Janaprith Fernando

The Sri Lanka Scout Association, which represents the largest number of children in the country, has partnered with the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme. Dailymirror had an exclusive conversation with Chief Scout Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Attorney-at-Law Janaprith Fernando, regarding the factors behind this decision and the activities being carried out under this initiative.

 Let’s start by explaining what the Scout Movement is. So what is it?

The founder of the Scout Movement is Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell. He laid the foundation for the movement in 1907 on Brownsea Island, England, with a group of 20 children. The movement officially began in Sri Lanka in 1912, introduced by F.G.Stevens, an engineer from the Government Works Department.

Scouting is the largest youth movement globally, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Our programme includes Pre-Cubs (Singithi), Cubs, Scouts, and Rovers, ensuring that every child and youth can engage in Scouting. We operate based on a Scout Promise and Ten Laws, which guide our movement. The Sri Lanka Scout Association has a rich history of 113 years and has consistently contributed to the nation, religion, and all communities. It is the only Scout Association in Sri Lanka legally recognised by an Act of Parliament and operating under the Ministry of Education’s approval.

 Why did the Sri Lanka Scout Association decide to collaborate with the “Clean Sri Lanka” project?

The “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative is an excellent project. The cleaner a country is, the more it develops. This programme, introduced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is a visionary initiative aimed at ensuring a sustainable future.

As someone who has travelled to many countries for Scouting and personal purposes, I have seen that cleanliness is a major factor in national development. Many people have praised and appreciated the President’s initiative.

As Scouts, we always promote cleanliness and orderliness. For example, at the National Jamboree in Trincomalee in February last year, not a single piece of litter was left behind. Our Scouts ensure that they leave any camp cleaner than they found it. Therefore, we fully support this initiative and are committed to ensuring its continuation and success.

 Has the Scout Association previously supported similar initiatives?

Yes, the Scout Association has actively contributed during every national disaster, including the tsunami, landslides, floods, and droughts. During these crises, Scouts have come together to provide necessary assistance. With this experience and expertise, we are confident that we can offer strong support to the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

 When and where will this programme be implemented?

This programme will take place on the 22nd of this month, marking the 168th birth anniversary of our founder, Lord Baden-Powell.

On this day, we will focus on cleaning railway stations across Sri Lanka. A total of 110 railway stations, 32 bus stands, 7 hospitals and places of worship will be cleaned simultaneously, along with coastal areas.

The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Civil Aviation, and Ports, along with the Railway Department, is providing significant support for this initiative. We extend our gratitude to them for their assistance.

 Why were railway stations specifically chosen?

Railways are one of the most widely used public transport systems in Sri Lanka, with a massive daily footfall. Additionally, Sri Lanka has several architecturally beautiful railway stations that even attract foreign tourists. Therefore, we decided to focus on keeping these stations clean and maintaining them regularly. Sri Lanka has 37 Scout Districts, each led by a District Commissioner and supported by Assistant District Commissioners. These officials have been assigned specific railway stations in their respective districts and instructed to clean and maintain them.

Additionally, selected bus stations and coastal areas will also be cleaned. Several other organizations have also come forward to support this effort.

 How many participants will be involved?

To coordinate all districts, National Headquarters Commissioners have been appointed. I, along with all Headquarters Commissioners, District Commissioners, Assistant District Commissioners, Scout Leaders, and over 30,000 Scouts, will actively participate in cleaning railway stations and other selected areas. This will be a significant day for the Scout Movement, demonstrating our commitment to service.

 How do you plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project?

Although the Sri Lanka Scout Association launched the project at railway stations on February 22nd, it has already devised a plan to sustain these efforts. The association aims to maintain the cleanliness of the railway stations and carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance work as part of the community service initiatives led by the President’s Scouts and other Scout groups. This commitment will last for at least one year, with a strong likelihood of continuing for many more years. As sustainability is a core value of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, we will closely monitor the progress to ensure long-term success.

 As the Chief Scout Commissioner, what is your final message?

The “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative is a remarkable project. I urge everyone to see it not just as a programme but as a personal responsibility. I take this opportunity to thank all Scout Leaders and Scouts for their enthusiasm and commitment to this initiative. If we stay clean, our country stays clean. I extend my deep appreciation to all those who have contributed to making this national effort possible.