What was billed as Sri Lanka’s first official street nightlife event turned into a morning mess. Marine Drive’s “Happy Streets” celebration left behind heaps of trash, raising serious questions about waste management and event responsibility.
The “Happy Streets” event held on August 3 along the Colpetty stretch of Marine Drive from 6 AM to 11 PM ended in dismay as the following morning revealed streets overwhelmed with garbage.
Touted as Sri Lanka’s first official street nightlife experience, the event featured live music concerts, yoga and Zumba zones, interactive street games, a car show, and numerous food stalls. Thousands flocked to the venue, enjoying the vibrant activities on offer throughout the day and evening.
However, once the music faded and the crowds dispersed, what remained was a chaotic aftermath. By dawn, the popular seaside road was littered with plastic bottles, used food containers, bags, coconut shells, and various other waste. The scenic stretch was unrecognizable, resembling a dumping ground rather than a city attraction.
Images circulating online depict the gravity of the mess garbage strewn across pavements and roads, crows tearing into open trash bags, and leftover food scattered in corners. Residents and commuters expressed dismay, criticizing the event’s lack of cleanup coordination and environmental responsibility.
Despite the scale of the littering, the organisers have not yet issued a statement addressing the situation or plans for a cleanup operation.
Marine Drive, often celebrated for its coastal beauty and as a recreational route, now faces renewed scrutiny on how large public events are managed, especially in terms of post-event waste disposal.
