United for Nature: Citizens, Forces and Agencies Rally to Clean Kalagama and Balalu Wewa

In a rare show of unity and determination, more than 2,000 people from the armed forces to village families joined hands over three consecutive days to clean up the Kalagama and Balalu Wewa areas, spanning nearly 20 acres of land.

- BY IFHAM NIZAM

The operation, spearheaded by the conservation group Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka (WTS), has been hailed as one of the largest and most inclusive community-driven environmental campaigns in recent years.

The effort unfolded with military precision. On the first day, about 650 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force took the lead, clearing vast stretches of polluted land and waterways. The following day saw the participation of 800 villagers and residents, while the third day brought together around 700 people a blend of forces, families, and volunteers who worked shoulder to shoulder until the task was complete.

Joining hands in the campaign were the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), the Mahaweli Authority, and the Pradeshiya Sabha, along with social media collectives, civic organisations, and everyday families.

"This was about more than waste"

Veteran wildlife photographer Saman Halloluwa, who actively participated in the drive, said the initiative was as much about shifting mindsets as it was about cleaning the environment.

"This was not just about removing garbage. It was about reminding ourselves of the responsibility we all share to protect our forests, lakes, and wildlife," Halloluwa said.

Speaking to The Sunday Island: "Seeing villagers, schoolchildren, the forces, and government agencies working together was deeply inspiring. These landscapes are home to elephants and countless other species. By protecting their environment, we are ultimately protecting our own future too."