Together, these organizations have joined forces with local government authorities in Galle, to set up an innovative Ocean Strainer in the Moragoda Canal, to capture and collect marine waste and plastic debris and prevent further pollution along Sri Lanka’s coastal belt.
An Ocean Strainer is a simple, innovative, cost-effective, trash trap solution designed by MAS, that floats across the breadth of a canal and traps plastic waste before it reaches the ocean.
INSEE’s engagement does not end there.
The waste captured in the Ocean Strainer will be included in the Galle Municipal Council waste collection channels.
Non-recyclable material will be diverted back to INSEE for its unique co-processing method, carried out within the cement kilns, through which waste is decomposed fully without harmful emissions.
In stark contrast to conventional landfill or incineration methods, co-processing ensures waste is converted into valuable resources, minimizing environmental impact.
“Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, posing a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human well-being.
We are excited to partner with the MAS Foundation for Change on this critical endeavor," said Sujith Gunawardhana, General Manager, INSEE Ecocycle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
"By combining our strengths and resources, we can make a tangible difference in combatting plastic pollution and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s precious water bodies.
This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to sustainable practices and underscores our responsibility as industry leaders."
With over two decades of expertise, INSEE Ecocycle has emerged as a game changer in waste disposal, waste recovery, and overall waste management solutions in Sri Lanka.
The project is spearheaded by the MAS Foundation for Change, an independent non-profit organization aimed at tackling the social and environmental challenges faced due to biodiversity loss, ocean pollution, and lack of access to clean water.
Adopting the Ocean Strainer initiative from MAS Holdings in 2022, the MAS Foundation for Change has since expanded the initiative to install a total of 30 Ocean Strainers up to date.
These have been strategically placed in the tributaries and canals that lead to rivers with the highest levels of pollution in the country.
Through this collaboration, INSEE Ecocycle and the MAS Foundation for Change aim to inspire other organizations, governments, and individuals to take action against plastic pollution.
"We firmly believe in the power of collective action and the need to create unique solutions to combat plastic pollution.
Our operational model is based on leveraging partnerships with innovators, program implementers, innovators, and donors,” says Sharika Senanayake, Director, MAS Foundation for Change.
“By working together with partners like INSEE, we can make our contribution towards addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges that the world faces today."
INSEE Cement and the MAS Foundation for Change are united by their common commitment to long-term sustainability and believe that this collaboration is a crucial step towards achieving their shared vision of a cleaner, healthier planet.
By investing in innovative technologies and collaborative efforts, these industry leaders are leading the way in addressing one of Sri Lanka’s most pressing environmental challenges.