The Waves of Hope project began on a day that changed the way I looked at the ocean forever. I had gone to Wennappuwa Beach with my family for a simple holiday, expecting peace and beauty. Instead, I witnessed something that deeply saddened me.

Plastic bottle fragments, polythene waste, and dead fish parts were scattered across the shore. In some areas, the pollution was piled up, and an unpleasant smell filled the air with the sea breeze. The entire beach was polluted, and the sight was heartbreaking. At that moment, I realized that if we do not protect the ocean, the beauty of these beaches could disappear in the blink of an eye.

I knew I could not wait for someone else to take action. I felt that I had to do something myself.

With that determination, I decided to study this subject in depth. I followed several online courses offered through platforms associated with the UNFCCC and other international organizations. I searched for knowledge through as many books and learning materials as possible. Wanting to trully understand the ocean, I learned diving from the very beginning and eventually became a certified Junior Open Water Diver. Along the way, I also took up surfing as a hobby, which further strengthened my connection with the sea.

As my understanding grew, I realized that achieving my goals would not be possible alone. I needed a strong team who believed in the same vision and were willing to work together. With the guidance and support of my parents and the Udahamulla Lions Club, I initiated the formation of the Udahamulla Leo Club.

From this simple idea, the Waves of Hope project was born.

The message was clear: let us take care of the ocean together. I wanted people to understand how incredible the ocean is and why protecting it is so important. As the first activity of the project, I organized an ocean photography exhibition.

With the financial support of Kangara Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, the Ocean Photography Exhibition was successfully held on August 23rd at Browns Beach, Negombo. More than 300 people, including children, students, divers, and members of the general public, attended the exhibition. Through photographs, awareness materials, and discussions, many visitors understood why the ocean urgently needs our care and protection.

Several government and non-government institutions extended their valuable support to the initiative, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Ministry of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority, the Biodiversity Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

Inspired to continue our journey, the second activity of the Waves of Hope project was planned as a Christmas celebration with children bravely receiving cancer treatment at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital. This initiative was not only intended to bring joy, warmth, and emotional comfort to these young fighters during the festive season, but also to serve as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between environmental health and human wellbeing.

Through this activity, we sought to encourage society to reflect on the long-term consequences of environmental degradation, pollution, and irresponsible human actions. The suffering faced by these children symbolizes the broader human cost of neglecting nature and compromising the ecosystems that sustain life. By standing with them, we aimed to inspire compassion, social responsibility, and a collective sense of accountability toward protecting the environment for present and future generations, while nurturing hope, kindness, and empathy within our communities.

My dream is to see children and young people step forward bravely to protect our planet. Protecting nature begins with one small action, and everyone can contribute. I created Waves of Hope because I believe that every small effort makes a difference. I continue to work tirelessly to protect the environment, like the waves of the ocean never stopping and always moving forward.

Jeniru Oshadha 

Founder waves of hope Sri Lanka