Help-o Srilanka Newsletter JUNE 2025

HELP-O SRI LANKA

2025 JUNE

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www.helpo-srilanka.org

ABOUT US HELP-O is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 1992 to serve the local community by making it a better, happier place to live in harmony with nature.

The vision of the organization is "Equitable Economic Development, Social Justice, and a Safer Environment for All," while the mission is "To identify the risks confronted

by Sri Lankan communities and implement effective solutions through proven integrated approaches with the participation of stakeholders."

The five strategies HELP-O adopts in achieving its mission include empowering the marginalized community socially and economically, recognizing the importance of community participation and leadership, dedicating efforts to protecting the environment through an integrated process, safeguarding human rights and justice, and ensuring sustainable development.

Our programs and projects mainly focus on community empowerment, rehabilitation, relief assistance, protecting human rights, community participation in local governance, community financing, livelihood development, economic resource mobilization, nurturing biodiversity, mitigating the impact of climate change, pollution prevention, waste management, optimal utilization of marine resources, and optimal utilization of forest products.

Our organization is dedicated to making a sustainable positive impact on the environment and the lives of people in Sri Lanka through a multisectoral approach in different sectors.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Page No

Awareness Session on e-Sabha Mobile Application for Newly Elected Councillors in Galle District

04

Preparatory TOT Program for Science Resource Center Managers on New Teacher's Guide Book

05

e-Sabha Awareness Session Held for Newly Elected Local Government Members- stage 02

06

Online Webinar-Practical Solutions to Combat Single-use Plastic Pollution in Sri Lanka's Tourism Sector

07

Celebrating World Environment Day 2025: A Call to Action Against Plastic Pollution

08

Newspaper Artical

09

Awareness Session on e-Sabha Mobile Application for Newly Elected Councillors in Galle District An awareness session on the e-Sabha mobile application was held on June 14, 2025, at Aradhana Hotel, Galle, for elected members of four local government institutions: Ambalangoda, Akmeemana, Bope-Poddala, and Yakkalamulla Pradeshiya Sabhas.

The event was organized by the Southern Provincial Department of Local Government to promote digital governance among local authorities.

Representing HELP-O, CEO Dr. Chathura Welivitiya and Project Manager Mr. Lahiru Maduranga Udumalagala attended the session. The secretaries of the respective Pradeshiya Sabhas also took part, contributing to the discussion on effective use of the app in administrative functions.

This initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in local governance through digital tools.

www.helpo-srilanka.org

Page 4

Preparatory TOT Program for Science Resource Center Managers on New Teacher's Guide Book A two-day training workshop was held on June 17–18, 2025, at the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Maharagama to introduce new environmental education materials aimed at building a plastic waste-free future. The program focused on the recently published Teacher’s Guide and Student Activity Book by the Ministry of Environment.

The workshop brought together Science Resource Center managers from across Sri Lanka, alongside educators from the NIE, representatives from the Department of Educational Publications, and officers from the Central Environmental Authority.

Organized jointly by the Ministry of Environment and HELP-O, with support from the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions under UNEP, the event featured expert presentations and hands-on training sessions.

The program was inaugurated by Ms. Padma Abeykoon, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment. HELP-O CEO Dr. Chathura Welivitiya and his team also played an active role in the training initiative.

www.helpo-srilanka.org

Page 5

e-Sabha Awareness Session Held for Newly Elected Local Government Members- stage 02 On June 26, 2025, an awareness session on the e-Sabha process was held at Aradhana Hotel in Galle for newly elected members of the Thawalama, Niyagama, Imaduwa, Welivitiya-Divithura, and Habaraduwa Pradeshiya Sabhas.

The program was organized by the Southern Provincial Department of Local Government to familiarize members with the digital governance system. Awareness was provided by Dr. Chathura Welivitiya, CEO of Helpo-Sri Lanka, along with Programme Manager Mr. Lahiru Maduranga.

www.helpo-srilanka.org

Page 6

Online Webinar-Practical Solutions to Combat Singleuse Plastic Pollution in Sri Lanka's Tourism Sector On June 17th, 2025, a crucial online webinar was held to equip Sri Lanka's tourism businesses with practical solutions to combat single-use plastic pollution. This timely event underscored Sri Lanka's commitment to addressing this critical environmental challenge.

Participants gained valuable insights into regulatory measures, industry initiatives, and effective strategies for eliminating problematic single-use plastics. The webinar also highlighted viable, reusable alternatives, with a focus on locally sourced options.

The initiative was a collaborative effort by the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) conventions, the Ministry of Environment, IGES, HELP-O, and the Global Tourism Plastic Initiative (GTPI). This collective expertise aimed to empower the tourism sector in its transition towards a more sustainable, plastic-free future.

www.helpo-srilanka.org

Page 7

Celebrating World Environment Day 2025: A Call to Action Against Plastic Pollution This World Environment Day 2025, HELP-O urges everyone to join hands in the fight against plastic pollution. Our commitment to environmental protection is strengthened by your support, and we believe that even small, consistent steps can lead to significant change.

Let's collectively work towards a future free of plastic, starting today. Reduce your plastic use and contribute to a healthier, more beautiful environment for all.

www.helpo-srilanka.org

Page 8

Newspaper Artical

www.helpo-srilanka.org

Page 9

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2025 HELP-O SRI LANKA CHIEF ADVISIOR Dr.Chathura Welivitiya

ADVISIORS Dr.Asoka Siriwardana Dr.Sirisena Deshapriya

EDITORS Lahiru Udumalagala Chandhi Devaki Anoja Jeewanthi Supun Suranjith Chathura Rajitha Hashini Madhushani Pradeep Madhusanka

DESIGN BY Pradeep Madhusanka

HELP-O No.364/18A,Samagi Mw, Dangedara , Galle, Sri Lanka FB Page - Help-o SriLanka Whatsapp - 94 77 373 7834 Mail - info@helpo-srilanka.org YouTube - HELP-O TV

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