50 voices come together to give voice to better waste practices
Three new documentary short films by Waste Action LK (WALK) highlighting more than 50 voices from across the island, from all walks of life, sharing their example of better waste practices will be released this week. With a particular focus on the reduction of Single Use Plastic, the films are presented under the collective title WALK THE TALK, SRI LANKA.
A wholly Sri Lankan production, subtitled in three languages, each film targets action through individual and collective responsibility.
WALK co-founder Radhika Philip who also directed the films, described them as “a call to action, for individual and collective responsibility”.
“These short documentaries gave us the opportunity to showcase a very real slice of Sri Lanka; of progressive people striving for change. Waste management is a global issue and it is with considerable national pride that we can share a forward-thinking commitment to realistic goals,” she said.
WALK is a non-profit initiative formed in 2019 by Radhika Philip of R. Parker Publishing (Pvt) Ltd, an independent publisher and Savera Weerasinghe of Ananta Sustainables, a waste management solutions provider.
“Collective action is the fastest way to drive the change that is necessary. WALK members have a wide range of expertise and experience across all sectors of the waste value chain, offering viable solutions for sustainable waste management,” Savera Weerasinghe speaking on behalf of WALK’s stakeholders said.
“With support and incentives from the public sector, these solutions can be scaled to provide holistic, sustainable waste management for the island. These films represent the WALK Network’s efforts in taking large and small steps to invest in waste action,” she added.
In January 2020, the European Delegation to Sri Lanka sponsored WALK to produce short films aimed at reducing consumption of Single Use Plastic. The budget allowed for filming in 18 locations across Sri Lanka with the clear mandate of collaboration. The films were presented to Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Namal Rajapaksa on April 29. He was joined by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka, Denis Chaibi.
The Minister confirmed his support of WALK Network and its goals: “I am pleased to add WALK’s films to our Ministry’s mandate, as we see many areas of collaboration on the ground; we can make an impact and reduce single use plastic consumption. Driving responsible community-centric waste practices is a long-term goal of the Ministry and working together with the National Youth Council, we believe these films can raise awareness not only of the problem but also of the many solutions.”
Left to right: Chairman National Youth Council, Damitha Wickremasinghe, Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka, Denis Chaibi, Minister Namal Rajapaksa,co-founders Waste Action LK (WALK) Radhika Philip and Savera Weerasinghe
EU Ambassador Denis Chaiba thanked WALK for the hard work and passion that went into the production of this DVD. “We want to work towards a global economy that is innovative, energy- and resourceefficient, circular and pollution-free. An economy that prospers in harmony with our natural environment. This is why supporting a “green recovery” is one of the EU’s prime goals in our future cooperation with Sri Lanka.”
“We want to work together towards an economy that does not harm the climate, protects bio-diversity and reduces pollution. Raising awareness is a first and important step. We hope these films will open eyes and generate a discussion on how Sri Lanka can make a turn towards producing less plastic waste, use more renewable energy and protect bio-diversity.
The WALK Films are scheduled for release on May 5.