Rajarata University of Sri Lanka proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Ms. S.M.N.A. Bawanthika Welivita from the Faculty of Agriculture, who secured the 1st Runner-Up position at the Youth Climate Challenge Competition 2026 held in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 on 9 June 2026 at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo.

The prestigious summit, organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, brought together leading climate experts, policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

Ms. Welivita was recognized for her innovative project titled,

“Smart Bund Waste Traps for Plastic Pollution Control in Sri Lankan Reservoirs”

The innovation offers a practical and sustainable solution to reduce plastic pollution in reservoirs and freshwater ecosystems by capturing and managing waste at bund locations, thereby contributing to improved water quality and environmental protection.

The Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 provided a unique platform for engagement with representatives from globally recognized organizations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and several leading public and private sector institutions.