UPG Viewer

23 Years Old

Sri Lanka

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

I am K. M. Theekshana Pasan Deepaloka, a 3rd-year undergraduate at the University of Peradeniya, studying Buddhist Studies with a deep interest in sustainability and cultural heritage. My journey has been shaped by my involvement in various organizations, including the Volunteer Leo Club, Rotaract Club, and AIESEC, where I have actively worked on community projects focusing on environmental conservation and youth empowerment.

In addition to my academic work, I am passionate about graphic design and have used my skills to contribute to social initiatives, including the ZeroPlastic National Movement. My diverse experiences, including a stint studying at Dongguk University in South Korea, have broadened my understanding of global challenges and strengthened my desire to be part of the solution.

I am committed to promoting sustainability through education, leadership, and hands-on action in my community and beyond. I believe that, as individuals, we have the power to create meaningful change and help build a more sustainable world for future generations.

Here are some strengths that I believe make me capable of being a UPG Sustainability Leader: 1. Leadership experience: I have held leadership roles in organizations such as the Volunteer Leo Club, Rotaract Club, and AIESEC, where I have led various community-based projects, including environmental and sustainability initiatives. 2. Passion for sustainability: My active involvement in the ZeroPlastic National Movement and other environmental efforts demonstrates my strong commitment to sustainability. 3. Communication skills: As a graphic designer and content creator, I am skilled in effectively communicating messages that inspire action and raise awareness about sustainability issues. 4. Global perspective: Having studied at Dongguk University in South Korea and participated in international conferences like AYIMUN, I have developed a global understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions. 5. Teamwork and collaboration: I have experience working in diverse teams, fostering a spirit of collaboration to achieve shared goals in community projects. 6. Problem-solving: I excel in identifying challenges and creating innovative solutions, particularly in environmental conservation and community resilience efforts. 7. Adaptability: My involvement in various programs and projects has taught me how to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and work effectively in different environments. These strengths equip me to contribute meaningfully to the UPG Sustainability Leadership program and lead positive change in my community.

I would like to highlight my problem-solving skills. A time when I effectively used this strength was during my involvement in the ZeroPlastic National Movement. We were working on reducing plastic waste in a local community, but we faced resistance from some businesses and households that were hesitant to switch from single-use plastics to eco-friendly alternatives.

Recognizing the need for a creative approach, I helped develop an incentive program that rewarded businesses and individuals for adopting sustainable practices. We introduced a system where participants could earn points for actions such as reducing plastic use, attending educational workshops, and promoting sustainability. These points were then exchanged for eco-friendly products, which motivated more people to get involved.

As a result, we saw a significant increase in community participation, with more businesses transitioning to reusable packaging and local residents becoming active advocates for sustainability. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of problem-solving and collaboration to create meaningful change.

Yes, I have extensive experience as a volunteer, particularly through my involvement with the Volunteer Leo Club and the Rotaract Club of University of Peradeniya. As a member and leader in these organizations, I have participated in and organized numerous community service projects focused on environmental conservation, education, and social welfare.

One of the most impactful projects I worked on was a tree-planting campaign aimed at reforesting a deforested area. We mobilized local schools, businesses, and residents to plant thousands of native trees. I coordinated with local authorities, managed resources, and engaged volunteers to ensure the project’s success. Beyond just planting trees, we also held educational sessions to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and ecos

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, I would initiate a comprehensive waste management and recycling program. The focus would be on reducing plastic waste and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives while educating the community on sustainable practices. The reason I would choose this project is that plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue in Sri Lanka, contributing to the degradation of natural habitats and waterways.

The project would involve creating accessible recycling stations, collaborating with local businesses to minimize single-use plastics, and conducting workshops to educate households and schools on proper waste segregation. I would also integrate an incentive system to encourage active participation, such as rewarding individuals or groups that consistently reduce their plastic waste.

This project is important because it tackles both environmental and social issues, empowering individuals to take responsibility for their waste while fostering a sense of community ownership over local sustainability efforts. By reducing plastic pollution, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment and inspire long-term behavioral changes that contribute to a sustainable future.

One challenge I expect in implementing a waste management and recycling project is community resistance to change, especially from businesses and individuals accustomed to single-use plastics. Some may be reluctant to adopt eco-friendly practices due to concerns about cost, convenience, or a lack of understanding about the environmental impact of their actions.

To overcome this, I would focus on community education and awareness. By organizing workshops, public campaigns, and engaging local influencers, I would ensure people understand the long-term benefits of sustainability, both for the environment and for their own well-being. Additionally, providing affordable or subsidized eco-friendly alternatives would help ease the transition for businesses and households.

Another challenge could be the lack of proper infrastructure for recycling and waste management. To address this, I would partner with local authorities and environmental organizations to improve access to recycling facilities and ensure that waste collection systems are efficient and effective. Collaboration with stakeholders would be key to creating a sustainable, long-term solution.

Finally, ensuring sustained participation and commitment might be difficult over time. To maintain momentum, I would introduce an incentive program, such as public recognition or rewards, to motivate individuals and businesses to consistently participate in waste reduction and recycling efforts. Regular progress updates and celebrating milestones would also help keep the community engaged and invested in the project’s success.

About 200 people

Yes

University of Peradeniya

The University of Peradeniya organization can support the mini-training session by providing facilities, promoting the event, offering expertise and resources, mobilizing volunteers, and helping with follow-up and engagement.

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