HSBC Scales Up Clean Waterways Project to Restore Beira Lake
HSBC Sri Lanka expanded its Clean Waterway Programme, a public-private partnership launched in January 2026 to restore Colombo’s iconic Beira Lake. The initiative aims not only to remove waste from the waterway, but also to reduce pollution at its source through community awareness, youth engagement, and green economic opportunities.
The key event of the upscale on the 13th of August 2026 was the launch of the second solar-powered, zero-emission waste collection boat, introduced in partnership with Clean Ocean Foundation. The initial boat that was launched at the start of this year, during its first seven months, the initial boat removed 21 tonnes of wet garbage and floating debris from Greater Beira Lake (Maha Beira). A second boat was launched in the Kuda Beira adjoining Gangaramaya Temple, which is a more commuter-engaged part of the lake as it is centered on many industrial and commercial stakeholders, making it a highly critical part of the lake.
The programme also served as a kick-off for nature literacy and behavioural change and awareness, where A-PAD SL will be serving as the key spearhead, creating awareness among students and undergraduates and reaching one million youth. These students will support awareness-building, community engagement, and environmental action.
Complementing this, the British Council, as a key partner, contributes in terms of Green Enterprise and Financial Literacy, aiming to reach over 500 young people. The expanded Clean Waterways programme demonstrates that restoring Beira Lake requires more than cleaning the water—it requires collective responsibility, informed communities and empowered young people. Through collaboration between the private sector, government, civil society and youth, the initiative is creating a stronger foundation for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Colombo.
