TThe initiative was proposed by the Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Mr. Venura Fernando and the Director General of the CEA Mr. Hemantha Jayasinghe, with the coordination being handled by Director Promotions
Mrs. Shyamani Periyaperuma and her team. The Gold, Silver, Bonze and Merit awards numbering 124 units were expertly crafted through the Melting Point initiative of Lion Nation Foundation (Guarantee) Limited using 13,600 used Aluminum cans.
he Presidential Environment Awards set a very clear direction as to the importance of driving waste to value through the crafting of the awards for its 2024 edition.
The initiative was proposed by the Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Mr. Venura Fernando and the Director General of the CEA Mr. Hemantha Jayasinghe, with the coordination being handled by Director Promotions Mrs. Shyamani Periyaperuma and her team. The Gold, Silver, Bonze and Merit awards numbering 124 units were expertly crafted through the Melting Point initiative of Lion Nation Foundation (Guarantee) Limited using 13,600 used Aluminum cans. This venture not only used waste material, but also exemplified the potential of transformational change through thought leadership, innovation and the benefit of public-private sector partnerships.
The Melting Point initiative at its inception focused on supporting the local metal craft industry in Pilimathalawa. This was done by introducing Aluminum as an alternative metal, infusing technology and efficiency aspects through partnerships with the University of Peradeniya. Once articles were crafted, the artisans and the cottage industry were connected with Premium retail outlets such as Odel and online platforms such as Daraz towards greater accessibility. Melting Point has also been involved in carrying out community-based beach clean ups and supporting waste segregation through distribution of bins. It has also strived to give visibility to upcycling through the production of trophies and souvenirs, with the most notable past association being the crafting of the Lanka Premier League T20 2023 Champion Trophy as well as the 24 “Man of the Match” trophies derived for the tournament.
With added focus now having been brought once more to upcycling at a National level through the Presidential Awards, it is expected that more corporates would engage with Melting Point and other such waste to value industries towards supporting such endeavours by considering these items in corporate gifting and other aspects of reward and recognition.
