Nestlé Lanka’s All-Island Schools Poster Art Competition named ‘මිහිතලයේ යහපැවැත්ම වෙනුවෙන් සිත්තමක මෙහෙවර’ (Doing good for the planet - an artistic representation) culminated last week, awarding the winners of the Junior and Senior Categories. Spanning across two months, this competition was organized in celebration of World Environment Day together with the Ministry of Education and Central Environmental Authority (CEA) as the second phase of the School Waste Management Programme. Conducted in three rounds, i.e., zonal, provincial, and all-island, the competition received a staggering 60,000 entries from students representing schools across the country.
“With our steadfast commitment towards addressing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka, we take continuous action to make our plastic packaging recyclable or reusable and strengthen segregation and collection of waste, whilst inspiring a positive behavioural change. An important initiative in this journey is the School Waste Management Programme which strives to instil good habits in the future generation of Sri Lanka, ensuring the sustainable development of the country. In this light, we were delighted to help organize this Art Competition, which not only served as a platform for showcasing the creative skills of budding artists, but also helped reinforce the importance of taking action towards a greener and cleaner tomorrow. My heartiest congratulations to all the participants and the winners!” said Mr. Bernhard Stefan, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka.
An event was held on 7 July 2023 at the Thurstan College, Colombo to recognize the top ten artists each from the Junior and Senior Categories and to award the winners. The event was graced by Mr. Hemantha Premathilaka, Private Secretary to the Honourable Minister of Education; Mr. Supun S. Pathirage, Chairman of the CEA and officials representing the partnering entities as well as Thurstan College, including Principal, Mr. Pramuditha Wickramasinghe.
Winners of the Junior Category with the Presentation Party (from left to right): Mr. Pramuditha Wickramasinghe, Principal, Thurstan College; Mr. Hemantha Premathilake, Private Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Education; Mr. Supun S. Pathirage, Chairman, Central Environmental Authority; Mr. Bernhard Stefan, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka; Mr. Bandula Egodage, Vice President - Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Nestlé Lanka; Mrs. Radhini de Costa, Assistant Director - Communications, Nestlé Lanka; Mr. Nishad Handunpathirana, Director - Aesthetic, Ministry of Education and Ms. Sharmini Periyapperuma, Director - Promotions, Central Environmental Authority
“This competition has undoubtedly offered our young artists an exceptional platform to creatively express their commitment towards environmental stewardship and sustainability and we, at the Ministry of Education, are delighted to be a part of this partnership. Through their art, our students will inspire others to take action, fostering a collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for themselves and for future generations” said Mr. Hemantha Premathilaka, Private Secretary to the Honourable Minister of Education.
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Supun S. Pathirage, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority said, “Given that plastic pollution is a pressing issue at present, this initiative is ideal as it aims to engage and empower the next generation of environmental advocates, encouraging them to raise awareness through artistic talents. It is my sincere hope that this art competition will help ignite a passion for environmental conservation and foster a sustainable mindset that would shape a greener and more prosperous future for our island nation."
Winners of the two categories are below;
- Junior: First Place – Senudi Pahanmi, Vihara Maha Devi Balika Vidyalaya; Second Place – Vihanga Miuranda Weerasinghe, Siri Piyarathana Madya Maha Vidyalaya and Third Place – Kavithma Induwarani, Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya
- Senior: First Place – Sumudu Sandaruwan, Bamunugama Maha Vidyalaya; Second Place – Kawisha Nugawela, Sivali Central College and Third Place – Rashmi Shashikala Madhuwanthi, Dharmashoka Vidyalaya
Driven by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé has nourished generations of Sri Lankan families with high quality food and beverages from early childhood to old age. Having started its operations in Sri Lanka in 1906, today, Nestlé has become an integral part of Sri Lankan lives. The company manufactures over 90% of its products sold in Sri Lanka locally at their state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala, employing strict safety and quality controls.
Featured photo caption: Winners of the Senior Category with the Presentation Party (from left to right): Mr. Pramuditha Wickramasinghe, Principal, Thurstan College; Mr. Hemantha Premathilake, Private Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Education; Mr. Supun S. Pathirage, Chairman, Central Environmental Authority; Mr. Bernhard Stefan, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka; Mr. Bandula Egodage, Vice President - Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Nestlé Lanka; Mrs. Radhini de Costa, Assistant Director - Communications, Nestlé Lanka; Mr. Nishad Handunpathirana, Director - Aesthetic, Ministry of Education and Ms. Sharmini Periyapperuma, Director - Promotions, Central Environmental Authority