Plastic cap bench at Maradana station

A special platform bench made entirely from discarded plastic bottle caps has been installed at the Maradana Railway Station, marking a creative step toward promoting sustainability and reducing plastic waste.

The initiative, part of the Bloom Morph project organized by the Community Engagement Avenue of the ZeroPlastic Society of the University of Kelaniya, was carried out with the support of Katana Upcycl and under the supervision of station authorities.

The bench was officially handed over to passengers today (5), in a ceremony attended by Maradana Railway Station Superintendent Kapila Pushpakumara.

Project organizers said the effort aimed to transform plastic waste into productive innovations, tackling the growing issue of plastic pollution along railway tracks and stations.

With thousands of commuters using trains daily, discarded plastic bottles have become a common sight around Sri Lanka’s railway network a problem that not only affects cleanliness but also harms surrounding ecosystems.

By collecting and repurposing plastic bottle caps found at the Maradana station and nearby tracks, the students demonstrated how sustainable design and community engagement can contribute to environmental protection and public awareness.