Promote Plastic Waste Awareness in Sri Lanka through “Plastic Smart Song” with Hello Kitty

On 19 May, 2026, a globally recognized character, Hello Kitty, visited Sri Lanka and participated in the awareness-raising event of responsible plastic use and the importance of environmental conservation at the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), together with around 150 students.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with CEA, is implementing the technical cooperation project called the “Project for Strengthening Plastic Management Capacity,” with an aim to enhance the country’s ability to address plastic waste challenges. This project also contributes to the “Clean Sri Lanka Initiative” promoted by the Government of Sri Lanka.

As part of this project activities, JICA has partnered with Sanrio Co., Ltd., a Japanese entertainment company, and the owner of Hello Kitty, to produce the “Plastic Smart Song” in three languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English (see below for YouTube links). The song is designed to raise public awareness of responsible plastic use and the importance of environmental conservation, particularly among children and young audiences.

Hello Kitty will visit a series of awareness-raising events and outreach activities at several schools this week. Through these engagements, the project seeks to inspire positive behavioral change and encourage communities across the country to adopt more sustainable practices and minimize environmental impact.

The opening event brought together more than 150 schoolchildren and was hosted by CEA, with the presence of Prof. Tilak Hewawasam, Chairman of the CEA, Mr. Kapila Rajapaksha, Director General of CEA, Ms. Yuko Tsuji, Managing Executive Officer Responsible for Global Sustainability Department, Sanrio Co., Ltd., Kenji Kuronuma, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office and representatives of Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and a number of JICA experts and JICA volunteers.

During the event, students sang the “Plastic Smart” song with Hello Kitty. In addition, two JICA volunteers also interacted with students to raise environmental awareness in Sinhala.

The event concluded with the highlight on reaching out to the communities on the shared commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future for all. Irrespective of whether it is a student, teacher, policy maker or simply a community member passionate about the environment, we all have a role to play in reducing plastic pollution.

YouTube Link of the Plastic Smart Song

© ’26 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPR. NO. GS670004