Voices Beyond Plastic: ZeroPlastic Club Engages Kottawa Community Through Street Drama

The ZeroPlastic Club of NDT at University of Moratuwa staged Voices Beyond Plastic in Kottawa Town to raise public awareness about plastic pollution and to promote practical ways to reduce single use plastics. The initiative combined creative storytelling and direct public engagement to deliver clear, actionable messages about environmental protection.

Organized under the Membership Development Avenue and led by Director Udesha Anuranga and Deputy Director Ransarani Wageesha, the program used a street drama format to illustrate the environmental and human health consequences of improper plastic disposal. The performance depicted blocked drainage, water and soil contamination, harm to wildlife, and risks to public health, using realistic acting, powerful dialogue, and interactive moments to capture audience attention.

The campaign attracted school students, shop owners, commuters, and local residents. Performers engaged directly with the public to share practical guidance on recycling, waste segregation, and sustainable daily habits. Visual coverage and media support were provided by Photographer Kavindu Piyumanta, Videographer Kavindu Heshan, and Graphic Designer Buddhika Pushpakumara, amplifying the reach of the message.

Beyond awareness raising, the project created measurable local impact by improving understanding of plastic pollution consequences and motivating behavior change among attendees. Community members reported clearer awareness of simple actions they can adopt immediately, such as reducing single use items and improving waste handling practices.

For student volunteers the event offered valuable experiential learning. Participants developed leadership, communication, creativity, and community engagement skills while executing a public outreach campaign from planning through delivery.

Project committee: Chairperson Chathushka Nethmina; Co-Chair Nirman Achintha; Secretary Chamudini Parindya; Treasurer Kaveesha Chamudini; Coordinators Dhanapalan Niranjan, Janith Savinda, Tharaka Indunil, Sameera Ayeshmantha.

The ZeroPlastic Club thanks university authorities, local partners, and volunteers for their support and pledges to continue community outreach and sustainability projects to build a cleaner, greener future.

Call to action: Support local awareness programs, reduce single use plastics in daily life, and share this message to expand impact. #VoicesBeyondPlastic #ZeroPlastic #Sustainability