“Unawatuna Beach Aiming to Become Sri Lanka’s First Blue Flag Beach”

Unawatuna Beach is undergoing preparations by the Marine Environment Protection Authority to secure international certification as the first Blue Flag beach in Sri Lanka.

A spokesperson from the Marine Environmental Protection Authority mentioned that several other beaches across the country are also aspiring to achieve Blue Flag status in the future.

Among the initiatives led by the Marine Environment Protection Authority, a notable effort is the establishment of Blue Flag Beaches adhering to international standards for beach bathing. Recently, Mr. Daniel Sechaffer, CEO of FEE (The Foundation for Environmental Education), and Ms. Sanskiriti Menon, Director of the organization, visited Sri Lanka to advance the establishment of Blue Flag beaches. Discussions were held to inform decision-makers about monitoring and certification processes.

In a special gathering at Galle’s Unawatuna Temple Hotel chaired by Mr. Asela B. Rakeva, Chairman of the Authority, 33 criteria for Blue Flag beach certification were deliberated. These criteria cover vital aspects such as environmental education, sea water quality, environmental management, safety, and services.

The event saw participation from Mr. Jagath Gunasekara, General Manager of the Marine Environment Protection Authority, the Assistant Secretary of the Galle District, and members of the Unawatuna Blue Flag Beach Management Committee. The group also undertook a special observation tour of Unawatuna beach. The Unawatuna Beach Management Committee’s active member and president of the temple business, Mr. Dudley Sirisena, sponsored the program hosted at the Unawatuna Araliya Hotel.