On Friday, June 14th, 2024, INSEE Cement and INSEE Ecocycle, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police, led a giant beach cleanup initiative at 10 locations along the coastal stretch from Negombo to Wattala to mark World Environment Day 2024. The ceremonial event was held at Sarakkuwa Beach, Negombo and was graced by the Inspector General of Sri Lanka Police, Deshabandu Tennakoon, Chairman of INSEE Cement, Nandana Ekanayake, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of INSEE Cement, Jan Kunigk, General Manager of INSEE Ecocycle, Sujith Gunawardena, and other officials from the Sri Lanka Police and INSEE as well as MEPA, Local Authorities, other government institutions and NGOs.
More than 2,000 individuals participated in the beach cleanup, including Sri Lanka Police officials, local community members, INSEE staff, students and teachers from 14 schools in the area, and members from many NGOs. This collective effort underscores the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation.
Speaking about the event, Mr. Jan Kunigk, CEO of INSEE Cement, said, ” The beach cleanup is a testament to INSEE’s mission to protect and preserve coastal regions and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations. It symbolizes our ongoing commitment to sustainability and our efforts to preserve coastal areas and the environment. It also aligns with INSEE’s Sustainability Ambition 2030, which places great importance on environmental conservation and sustainable practices.”
INSEE Ecocycle, a pioneer in sustainable waste management in Sri Lanka, played a pivotal role in managing the waste collected during the cleanup. By diverting recyclable materials for recycling and processing non-recyclable materials through kiln co-processing, INSEE Ecocycle ensures that all collected waste is managed responsibly, without leaving any further burden on the environment.
In recognition of the school’s participation in the event, INSEE Cement donated INSEE Sanstha Cement bags to 14 schools for their development activities. Additionally, certificates were awarded to all schoolchildren who participated in the beach cleanup, acknowledging their dedication to environmental conservation.
INSEE Cement extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Collaborative efforts like these beach-ups are crucial in driving the country’s sustainability goals and making a positive impact on our environment.
About INSEE
INSEE Cement Sri Lanka is a member of the Siam City Cement Public Company Limited (SCCC), a leading cement manufacturer in Southeast Asia. INSEE Cement is Sri Lanka’s only fully integrated cement manufacturer and offers a comprehensive portfolio of construction solutions, including the highly demanded INSEE Sanstha and INSEE Mahaweli Marine Plus cement brands in Sri Lanka. As INSEE Cement’s waste management arm and a fully owned subsidiary, INSEE Ecocycle Lanka (Private) Limited plays a significant role in the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework to reduce carbon emissions, lower usage of thermal energy and embrace the principles of a circular economy. Overall, INSEE continues to steer the local building and construction industry towards high-performing, low-carbon, and future-ready constructions, introducing consistently high-quality blended cement products and sustainable building materials through the company’s strong investment in innovation and R&D.