Lassana Sri Lanka’s Second Workshop at CINEC Campus: A Step Toward a Cleaner Future

Taking Responsibility for a Cleaner Sri Lanka

A cleaner Sri Lanka is not just a dream—it’s a shared responsibility. Too often, we assume waste management is someone else’s job—whether it’s the government, municipal councils, or cleaning staff at universities and workplaces. But the truth is, keeping our environment clean requires awareness, commitment, and the right practices from everyone.

This was the driving force behind the second Lassana Sri Lanka workshop, held on February 14, 2025, at CINEC Campus, Malabe. The event brought together over 30 Leos from the Leo Club of CINEC Campus and more than 30 university cleaning staff members, emphasizing collaboration for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Waste Management: A Shared Responsibility

One of the biggest misconceptions about waste management is that it’s purely an individual responsibility—that simply throwing waste into the right bin solves the problem. But in reality, waste management requires a systematic approach involving individuals, institutions, and policymakers.

For Sri Lanka to effectively tackle waste pollution, particularly roadside garbage and plastic waste, a collaborative approach is essential. Universities, businesses, cleaning staff, environmental organizations, and everyday individuals all have a role to play. This is why initiatives like Lassana Sri Lanka, a flagship project of Leo District 306 C1, are crucial.

By raising waste management awareness and promoting eco-friendly initiatives by Leos, Lassana Sri Lanka is bridging the gap between education and action, ensuring that institutions like CINEC Campus take an active role in sustainability efforts.

5S: A Smarter Way to Manage Waste

One of the highlights of the workshop was the session on “Managing Waste the Smart Way: 5S for a Cleaner Future”, conducted by Mr. Kasun Thennakoon, Head of Circular Economy Services at CleanTech (Pvt) Ltd.

CleanTech, a proud partner of Lassana Sri Lanka, is committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices across Sri Lanka.

But what exactly is 5S, and how does it help in managing waste more effectively?

The 5S method, originally developed in Japan, is a systematic approach to organizing and maintaining cleanliness in workplaces, institutions, and homes. It consists of five principles:

Sort (Seiri) – Identify and separate necessary items from waste.
Set in Order (Seiton) – Arrange necessary items for easy access and efficiency.
Shine (Seiso) – Maintain cleanliness by regularly cleaning workspaces.
Standardize (Seiketsu) – Establish best practices for waste management and cleanliness.
Sustain (Shitsuke) – Ensure long-term commitment to cleanliness and waste reduction.

By implementing 5S, waste management becomes structured, efficient, and impactful. Instead of reacting to waste accumulation, institutions like CINEC Campus can proactively manage waste, reduce clutter, and create a healthier environment for everyone.

The Importance of Plastic and E-Waste Collection

One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the donation made by CleanTech (Pvt) Ltd—a plastic bottle collection cage and two dedicated waste containers for paper waste and e-waste collection.

This initiative reinforces the importance of proper waste separation and highlights the need to reduce plastic pollution and responsibly dispose of electronic waste.

Why Plastic and E-Waste Need to Be Separated

📌 Plastic Waste is One of the Biggest Environmental Threats

Sri Lanka generates millions of plastic bottles daily, with most ending up in landfills, water bodies, or as roadside litter.
Recycling plastic reduces pollution and helps create a circular economy, repurposing waste instead of discarding it.

📌 E-Waste Contains Hazardous Materials

Old phones, laptops, batteries, and other electronic waste contain harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
If mixed with regular waste, these toxins can contaminate soil and water, causing serious environmental and health risks.

By separating plastic and e-waste, institutions like CINEC Campus can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, ensure safer disposal practices, and support recycling efforts that contribute to environmental conservation.

Lassana Sri Lanka: A Movement for Change

The second workshop at CINEC Campus was more than just an awareness session—it was a call to action. With every workshop, Lassana Sri Lanka, an initiative by Leo District 306 C1, is empowering communities to take ownership of their waste management practices.

This isn’t just about one university or one organization—it’s about changing mindsets across Sri Lanka. Through strong partnerships, continued awareness, and proper waste management infrastructure, we can move toward a future where waste isn’t just managed but prevented.

What’s Next?

The success of this workshop marks another step in Lassana Sri Lanka’s mission to create a cleaner, more sustainable country. But the question is—what role will YOU play?

🔹 Will you carry a reusable bag instead of using plastic?
🔹 Will you separate your waste at home and work?
🔹 Will you encourage your workplace, school, or university to adopt better waste management practices?

Because at the end of the day, a cleaner Sri Lanka starts with all of us.

Let’s minimize—or better yet, STOP—our polythene, plastic, and e-waste pollution. Together, we can create a Lassana Sri Lanka.