RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO – The South African High Commission in Sri Lanka organised a beach clean-up programme at Crow Island Beach, Mattakkuliya, on Friday, July 17, to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day.
The event was held under the patronage of the Chargé d’Affaires of the South African High Commission, Ms. Nthabiseng Ramatshela.
The initiative encouraged participants to dedicate their time to making a positive contribution to society, reflecting the spirit of Mandela Day’s global call to action. It also honoured Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service through the tradition of dedicating 67 minutes to community service.
Among those who participated were M.H.M.N. Bandara, Director General (Africa Affairs) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Jerome Fernando, Chairman and Co-Founder of Clean Ocean Force; representatives of the embassies United Kingdom, Indonesia, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Cuba, and the Commonwealth; Dr. Gina Maswabi, National Finance Advisor, Commonwealth, Sri Lanka, officers from the Police Environmental Division; officials of the South African High Commission, sponsors, and volunteers
The beach clean-up highlighted the importance of environmental conservation while reinforcing the values of service, solidarity, and community engagement inspired by Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy.
