Gunadamin Elephant House Partners with Muve Colombo and Cleantech for Beach Clean-Up in Celebration of World Clean-Up Day

In a continued effort to create a cleaner Sri Lanka, Gunadamin Elephant House, in collaboration with Muve Colombo and Cleantech, launched a comprehensive beach clean-up program from Mount Lavinia to Wellawatta to mark 'World Clean-Up Day'. The initiative, held on 7 September, not only aimed to restore the natural beauty of the beach but also to raise awareness about responsible PET disposal and the importance of recycling for a healthier ecosystem.

The program is part of an ongoing six-month partnership between Gunadamin Elephant House and Muve Colombo, ensuring daily clean-ups along the designated beach stretch. The initiative also includes the installation of bins for collection  at restaurants and public entrances, making it easier for consumers to responsibly dispose of Plastic.

Over the course of the six months, Gunadamin Elephant House and Muve Colombo will provide the necessary infrastructure and funding to sustain these daily efforts. The project will also actively promote community awareness about the importance of properly disposing of PET and other plastics, rather than discarding them into the environment. Cleantech has extended its support by providing labor for the daily clean-ups and managing the collection and recycling of plastic waste. All PET and plastic waste collected will be responsibly recycled by Cleantech Pvt Ltd.

Jude Martino, Vice President of John Keells Holdings and Head of Beverages at Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “It’s inspiring to see the private sector come together for responsible waste management and sustainable solutions. Our collaboration with Muve Colombo showcases the impact we can make when we unite to protect our environment.”

Muve Colombo’s DGM Audit and Head of CSR Dilini Fernando added: “We’re delighted to partner with Gunadamin Elephant House on this project. It’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to responsible waste management and recycling while raising awareness about the need for proper disposal practices.”

Kasun Thennakoon, Head of Circular Economy Services at Cleantech Pvt Ltd, expressed his interest in the partnership: “It’s a remarkable initiative to collaborate with Gunadamin Elephant House and Muve - Colombo on this project, which highlights the importance of corporate teamwork in promoting responsible waste management for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

This beach clean-up initiative is one of many projects led by Gunadamin Elephant House in its ongoing mission to promote responsible environmental stewardship. The company has also invested in Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across Sri Lanka, providing essential infrastructure for collecting and recycling PET waste. The partnership between Gunadamin Elephant House, Muve Colombo, and Cleantech highlights the dedication of the private sector to preserving a sustainable and beautiful natural environment.

About the Organizations

Ceylon Cold Stores: Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, manufacturer and distributor of the Elephant House brand, is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 70 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. With a 150-year legacy, Elephant House is a cherished brand, deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan households, known for its trustworthiness and commitment to societal betterment. Gunadamin Elephant House stands as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Elephant House, dedicated to a range of initiatives designed for the betterment of society. This project falls under the Waste Management pillar, which, together with the Community and Sustainable Sourcing pillars, forms the holistic approach of Gunadamin Elephant House towards sustainable and responsible practices.

About Muve Colombo:  Based in London and Colombo, Mûve is a respected national law firm, carrying out conveyancing services in the UK property market since 2016. With the intention of providing high quality and affordable legal services, Mûve UK decided to expand and set up operations in Sri Lanka in 2017.Mûve Colombo forms the core part of the entire business, handling conveyancing, sales, legal documentation, client management and business operations.

About Cleantech Pvt Ltd:

Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd,a subsidiary of Abans Group of Companies which was founded in 2003 is the largest waste management company in Sri Lanka, specialized in Solid Waste Management, E waste Management, Recycling Services, Hygiene Management, Tree Care Services, City Beautification Services & Hydro Services. Cleantech is equipped with ISO 9001, ISO 140001 and Global Recycling Standard (GRS) along with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Cleantech manages approximately 150,000 tons of waste annually, comprising 101,000 tons of perishable and 49,000 tons of non-perishable waste. The Material recovery facility recycles approximately 1,500 tons of waste annually including PET, Plastic and E-waste exemplifying our commitment to circular economy principles.