Under the  Clean Sri Lanka national program, the “Samanola Siri-Haritha Wandana” project officially commenced on November 25, focusing on the removal of scattered and accumulated debris from the Sri Pada mountain area, its surroundings, and the related streams. This significant environmental effort was carried out with active participation from the Sri Lanka Army Commandos and other soldiers. Approximately 700 bags of debris collected from the upper parts of Sri Pada mountain were transported to Nallathanniya for proper waste management.

The project also addressed recent landslides caused by heavy rains along the Sri Pada hiking trail. A 120 member team from the Sri Lanka Army, along with support from about 50 local villagers and roughly 40 police officers, successfully conducted rapid sand removal operations at the Ahela Kanuwa area. Approximately 70% of a large sand mound below Mahagiridamba in this area has now been cleared, enhancing safety and access along the trail.

The collected debris brought to Nallathanniya is being managed by the local Government Authority, with additional assistance from the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat office. Despite challenging weather conditions including heavy rains, strong winds, and dense fog in the Hatton area, the operation succeeded under the dedicated leadership of Major Thilina Samarakkon and his team, who guided the debris removal from the streams.

The Sri Lanka Army took a leading role in this operation, with collaborative support from government agencies such as the Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat offices, the Sri Lanka Police, and the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha. Importantly, the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat played a leadership role in coordinating and driving this environmental cleanup effort as part of the wider national agenda.

The key objective of the “Samanola Siri-Haritha Wandana” program is to achieve complete removal of all scattered and accumulated debris from the lower streams of the upper Sri Pada mountain. This special initiative has now reached its final phase, marking a major milestone in preserving this sacred natural heritage and promoting environmental sustainability under the Clean Sri Lanka program.

This event reaffirms the government’s commitment to nationwide environmental conservation, community involvement, and enhancing the safety and cleanliness of important natural sites.