On the 6th of April, a team of nearly 50 volunteers from the University of Peradeniya made their way into one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched villages – Meemure. With the support of Coco Craft and Talent secure, the ZeroPlastic team organized the Meemure Refresh Project, a full-day clean-up focused on protecting the natural environment of this hidden gem. This initiative was carried out in coordination with the ZeroPlastic National Movement, under the guidance of our dedicated coordinator Kusal Madhubashitha, who was present throughout the event.
Tucked deep within the Knuckles Mountain Range, Meemure isn’t your typical tourist spot. It’s a rural village disconnected from the chaos of cities, surrounded by green paddy fields, thick forests, and clear rivers that still run wild. It feels like time has slowed down there. You don’t hear engines or see towers; only trees, birds, and mountains watching over you.
We reached Meemure around 9.00 in the morning. After a quick briefing, we split into two teams and started the clean-up. Some of us headed towards the village paths, and others made our way closer to the river area. Throughout the day, we worked steadily. Locals also started joining in with small conversations and smiles. By the end of the clean-up, we had collected 26 bags of waste—stuff that should have never been there in the first place.
We were also grateful for the support by the Police, who actively joined us in our efforts. Prior to the event, we made sure to inform and coordinate with the village school principal, provincial council, divisional secretariat, and the Grama Niladhari. Their awareness and involvement added a meaningful layer of community engagement to our project.
One of the most heartwarming moments was witnessing the joy and pride of the villagers, especially upon learning that we had come all the way from the University of Peradeniya. Their smiles and words of encouragement reminded us of the deeper connection we all share with our environment.
It wasn’t just about picking up trash. It was a wake-up call. Meemure is one of the few places left in Sri Lanka that still holds on to its natural beauty. But even here, traces of carelessness are starting to show. As visitors, it’s not enough to admire the beauty—we need to protect it. And that starts with something as simple as not leaving our garbage behind.
The Meemure Refresh Project wasn’t a grand event. It didn’t make headlines. But it mattered. Because every bag of trash removed was a step towards keeping this beautiful village clean. And every volunteer who took part walked away with something more than just memories; we left with a sense of responsibility.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our mentor and the founder of the ZeroPlastic Movement, Mr. Nishshanka de Silva, whose vision continues to inspire us to protect what truly matters.
Let this be a reminder: if we truly love nature, we can’t just visit it—we have to stand up for it.
