What is the source of this pollution? To where will this lead? “The ocean” the home for millions of aquatic animals and plants, is affected badly by human operations. The litter end up on coastlines and beaches washed up in with waves are mistakenly eaten by marine animals.In pursuance of the Global Beach Cleanup Day, “We Love the Sea’’ is a global action initiated by the Rotaract club of Bari Agora along with 5 South American clubs and 4 East Asian Districts, summing up to 9 active worldwide district participation. RI District 3220 joined hands with this cause with 23 eager Rotaractors from Rotaract Club of SLIIT, collaborated with 7 other Rotaract clubs; Rotaract Club of Colombo West, FMF, Achievers, ACBT, NSBM and Midtown.

The Rotaractors gathered at Wellawatta beach on the 15^th of September early in the morning.  The participants were briefed on how the garbage is collected and the separation of trash into groups as plastics, glass, rubber, cans, polythene, metal and degradable. The garbage was collected in gunny bags and those were tied with different colored ribbons to recognize each trash group. Three members were allocated for one huge gunny bag to collect all trash. The Rotaractors were able to collect a huge pile of trash which included plastic bottles, cans, shampoo bottles, clothes, diapers, etc.

Few Rotaractors took care of the junk which were dumped into the ocean.

During the middle of the mission it started to rain. We had to wait until the rain stops. The Rotaractors were served with a hot cup of plain tea by the generous residents as an appreciation for all the hard work and we all were delighted by their kind gesture. After the small break we started our mission again to demonstrate that Rotaractors never fallback under any circumstances. At the end of an exhausted but triumphant mission, everyone was so happy seeing the clean and tidy coast cleaned by their own sweat and effort.The SLIIT Rotaract team served each volunteer with milk packets to quench their thirst. Everyone happily dispersed after the mandatory photography session and fellowship.

“In a world that is rightly so concerned about climate change and the atmosphere, to be so ignorant and neglectful of our oceans is deeply troubling. However, having woken up to this living disaster and having realized that there are limits to how much abuse we can inflict, it’s not too late to turn things around.’

​-Sylvia A. Earle

Written by-

Rtr. Nishiki Yapa,

Member 2019-20