Uniting Youth for the Ocean at WAVEZ 2025 — Organized by University of Kelaniya

Despite playing the pivotal role as a life-sustaining force on our planet, the ocean has tragically been facing increasing threats from plastic pollution to climate change. As these challenges grow more urgent by the day, the ocean calls for help and WAVEZ 2025 answers that call with the power of youth.

WAVEZ 2025, an Awareness Walk and a Beach Cleanup at Wellawatte Beach, is a powerful youth-led initiative, organized by AIESEC in University of Kelaniya to bring passionate young individuals from across the nation together and raise awareness on protecting marine life and creating awareness on the importance of ocean conservation.

The event will take place on July 20, 2025 at 8.00 AM with an Awareness Walk starting near St. Peter’s College, Colombo 04, continuing up to Wellawatte Beach. Global and local volunteers will walk together, raising awareness on the importance of ocean protection and the urgent need for action while the walk will serve as a public demonstration of youth voices calling for change. 150+ volunteers are expected to participate, including global youth volunteers, university students, school students, and members of the general public, and following the walk, all will engage in a beach cleanup along the Wellawatte shoreline. To ensure that the cleanup is carried out safely and effectively, The Pearl Protectors will conduct a training session on proper beach cleaning techniques and environmental best practices.

Based on the event’s ultimate goal which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; specifically Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 14: Life Below Water, the #TrackTheTrash Challenge by Climate Intelligence Network will also be integrated into the event, adding further depth to the initiative. With their citizen-powered campaign promoting cleanups and encouraging waste and brand audits, creative social media storytelling, and data-driven environmental advocacy, the event intends to address key challenges such as the lack of long-term impact from traditional cleanups and the absence of brand accountability by providing tools and structure for real-time reporting and awareness.

Neptune Recyclers, proclaiming their unwavering commitment to nature, will also join as the official Recycling Partner for WAVEZ 2025. They will be responsible for collecting the waste gathered during the cleanup and will issue an official certificate confirming the amount of waste collected, adding a layer of accountability and measurable impact to the initiative.

Engaging Sri Lanka’s youth—the backbone of the country—in environmental action can be a turning point as well as a strong step towards change for it not only builds leadership and responsibility, but also nurtures future generations to be well-informed and committed to sustainability. Thus, through WAVEZ 2025, you will not just be a participant; you will be change-makers, advocates, and environmental leaders.

The event is sponsored by Alliance Finance Company PLC, Aroma Bliss Ceylon, and Freelan Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, whose collaboration provides massive support to scale the event, reach wider audiences and enhance its impact.

With the motto “Leaving footprints but with impact,” WAVEZ 2025 reminds the youth and the public to take environmental action seriously as the ocean is a vital life source—regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining millions of livelihoods. Protecting it is not just an option to reconsider, it’s a responsibility that must be upheld.

The public is warmly invited to join the Awareness Walk and Beach Cleanup on July 20, 2025, at Wellawatte Beach. Whether as a volunteer, advocate, or supporter, your presence will contribute to a cleaner ocean and a stronger community voice for environmental protection.

For more information, reach out:

Sachinthani Ketakumbura
Organizing Commitee Vice President
Delegates and Public Relations
WAVEZ ’25
AIESEC in University of Kelaniya

Mobile: +94 702 182 939 | Office: +94 112 848 508
Address: No: 102, Nagahawatta Road, Maharagama, Sri Lanka.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sachinthani-ketakumbura-88610a1a5
Website: www.aiesec.lk