Has the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Drive Lost Steam?

The initial enthusiasm surrounding the Government’s much-publicised ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative appears to be fading. In the early days, we saw ministers, MPs, and party supporters actively participating in beach cleanups and workplace sanitation drives. However, such scenes have become rare, raising concerns about the continuity and seriousness of the campaign.

It seems the message has not effectively reached the grassroots. More worryingly, even Grama Niladharis, who play a crucial role in local administration, appear to be unclear about their role in this initiative. In our area, for instance, a public notice recently displayed by the local Grama Niladhari concerns the issuance of a liquor licence—posted on a lamp post desecrating it.

Surely, these officers are in a key position to mobilise community participation and reinforce the Government’s vision. Without their active involvement and better communication with the public, the campaign risks becoming another short-lived slogan.

It is time to reignite the spirit of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ campaign—not just through photo opportunities, but through sustained grassroots action.

Upali Weerasinghe