Successfully concludes Schools Art Competition 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Central Environmental Authority
Nestlé Lanka’s Schools Art Competition, under the theme of ‘A greener environment through the eyes of children’ (සිසු නෙතින් දකින සුවදායී පරිසරය) successfully concluded. This competition was organized in celebration of World Environment Day, together with the Ministry of Education and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). The Art Competition was conducted as part of the School Waste Management Programme, an initiative which helps create awareness on responsible waste disposal in the future generation of Sri Lanka. The programme reached approximately 400,000 students in over 800 schools around the country this year.
An event was held on 25 June 2025 at President’s College – Kotte, to recognize and award the winners selected. The event was graced by the Honourable Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Environment, Professor Tilak Hewawasam, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority, Bernie Stefan, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka and officials representing the partnering entities and President’s College – Kotte, including the Principal, Mrs. Bhagya Rupasinghe.
“The Schools Art Competition is a commendable initiative that encourages children to embrace responsible waste management from an early age. By engaging young minds through creativity, it not only raises awareness but also instils values of environmental stewardship. I am pleased to see Nestlé actively supporting our shared vision of a Clean Sri Lanka, playing a meaningful role in fostering positive behavioural change among the youth” commented Honourable Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Environment.
“The School Waste Management Programme is an important initiative in our journey towards creating a waste-free future. Educating schoolchildren on responsible waste management plays a vital role in strengthening waste segregation and collection systems, while also fostering positive behavioural change from an early age. In this journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment of reaching 100% plastic neutrality, ensuring that we recover the amount of plastic equivalent to what is released into the environment through our packaging. We are delighted to have helped organize the Art Competition which not only served as a platform for showcasing the creative skills of emerging artists, but also helped reinforce the importance of taking action towards a greener and cleaner tomorrow. My heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and the winners!” said Mr. Bernie Stefan, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka.
Sharing his thoughts, Professor Tilak Hewawasam, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority said, “It’s inspiring to witness the participation of talented young artists from across the island. At a time when plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge, this initiative serves as a powerful platform to engage and empower children. By channelling their creativity, we are not only raising awareness about responsible waste disposal but also nurturing a generation that values sustainability. We are thrilled to partner with Nestlé Lanka on this noteworthy initiative”.
Winners of the two categories are below;
Junior: First Place – D.M. Adithya Induranga Senarath, Dutugemunu Maha Vidyalaya Pothuhera; Second Place – A.G. Jayamini Sankalpana Dissanayake, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya Polonnaruwa and Third Place – D.G. Saumya Harshi Kumari, Matale Siddhartha Maha Vidyalaya Nagolla.
Senior: First Place – W.M.S. Yehani Weerasinghe, Kegalle Balika Vidyalaya; Second Place – K. Shashini Pabasara, Ananda Balika Vidyala Polonnaruwa and Third Place – K.K. Sathmi Tharumila Chandrasekara, Ferguson High School Rathnapura.
Driven by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé has nourished generations of Sri Lankan families with high quality food and beverages from early childhood to old age. Having started its operations in Sri Lanka in 1906, today, Nestlé has become an integral part of Sri Lankan lives. The company manufactures over 90% of its products sold in Sri Lanka locally at their state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala, employing strict safety and quality controls.
Photo caption: Junior Category Winners Ms. Sujeeva Perera – Senior Environmental Officer, CEA, Mrs. Bhagya Rupasinghe – Principal – President’s College Kotte, Mr. Bernie Stefan –Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka, All-Island Top Three Winners in the Junior Category, Honourable Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Environment , Professor Thilak Hewawasam,Chairman – Central Environmental Authority, Mr. Ruwan Welikala, Director – Corporate Affairs andCommunications, Nestlé Lanka, Mr. M. Shivakumar, Deputy Director General – Environment Education and Awareness
Senior Category Winners: Ms. Sujeeva Perera – Senior Environmental Officer, CEA, Mrs. Bhagya Rupasinghe – Principal– President’s College Kotte, Mr. Bernie Stefan – Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka, All-Island TopThree Winners in the Senior Category, Honourable Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Environment , Professor Thilak Hewawasam, Chairman – Central Environmental Authority, Mr. Ruwan Welikala, Director – Corporate Affairs and Communications, Nestlé Lanka, Mr. M. Shivakumar, Deputy Director General -Environment Education and Awareness
