The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative has come under fire, with accusations that it has turned into a mere media spectacle rather than a genuine effort to improve cleanliness. Critics claim that certain government figures are using the programme to gain publicity rather than making a lasting impact.
A recent cleaning event near Fort Railway Station, attended by Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala and a group of government supporters, saw participants wearing specially designed ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ T-shirts and actively engaging in the cleanup—at least while the cameras were rolling.
Eyewitnesses alleged that once the media coverage ended, many of those who had joined the effort, including some officials, quickly departed, leaving behind the garbage they had initially gathered. The incident has raised concerns about whether the campaign is truly addressing the country’s waste management issues or simply serving as a promotional exercise for politicians and officials.
