Hello Kitty joins plastic waste awareness Campaign in Sri Lanka

Colombo, May 21 (Daily Mirror) - Globally recognised character Hello Kitty joined Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote responsible plastic use and environmental conservation by participating in a special awareness programme organised at the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) on May 19.

The event, attended by around 150 schoolchildren, was organised under a collaborative initiative between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the CEA aimed at strengthening plastic waste management in Sri Lanka.

JICA and the CEA are currently implementing the “Project for Strengthening Plastic Management Capacity”, which seeks to improve the country’s ability to tackle plastic waste challenges while also supporting the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka Initiative”.

As part of the project, JICA partnered with Japanese entertainment company Sanrio Co., Ltd., the creator and owner of Hello Kitty, to launch the “Plastic Smart Song” in Sinhala, Tamil and English. The initiative is intended to raise awareness among children and young audiences about responsible plastic use and environmental protection.

Hello Kitty is also expected to participate in a series of awareness programmes and school outreach activities across the country this week, with organisers hoping the campaign will encourage positive behavioural changes and inspire communities to adopt more sustainable practices.

The opening event was attended by CEA Chairman Prof. Tilak Hewawasam, CEA Director General Kapila Rajapaksha, Managing Executive Officer for Global Sustainability at Sanrio Co., Ltd. Yuko Tsuji, JICA Sri Lanka Chief Representative Kenji Kuronuma, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Udara I. Dikkumbura, officials from the Ministry of Environment, and JICA experts and volunteers.

During the programme, students joined Hello Kitty in singing the “Plastic Smart Song”, while JICA volunteers also conducted environmental awareness activities in Sinhala.

Organisers highlighted the importance of collective action in reducing plastic pollution, noting that students, teachers, policymakers and communities all have a role to play in building a cleaner and more sustainable future.