‘Clean Today, Green Tomorrow’ – a sustainable initiative by the Sri Lanka Air ...

Beyond defence: SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit leads a greener national mission at 75

Environmental degradation has become one of Sri Lanka's most pressing national concerns. Improper waste disposal, polluted waterways, shrinking green spaces and the excessive use of natural resources are increasingly affecting public health, social wellbeing and the quality of life of communities. These challenges are no longer distant environmental issues; when the environment deteriorates, society feels the consequences directly.

At this critical moment, national responsibility must extend beyond policy discussions to meaningful action. Recognizing this urgency, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), through the leadership of the Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU), has taken a decisive step forward with the "Clean Today, Green Tomorrow" initiative. The programme reflects a modern understanding of national service - that protecting the nation also means safeguarding the environment that sustains it.

Introduced as a long-term sustainability programme rather than a one-off clean-up campaign, "Clean Today, Green Tomorrow" encouraged SLAF establishments across the island to assess their environmental footprint and implement practical, measurable solutions. Environmental responsibility was embedded into daily operational practices, guided by discipline, accountability and consistency - values long associated with military service.

Projects carried out under the initiative focused on waste management and camp cleaning, tree planting and reforestation, eco-gardening and sustainable cultivation, as well as water and energy conservation. These efforts addressed real, on-ground environmental challenges while fostering innovation and a strong sense of ownership among Air Force personnel. Environmental protection thus became part of routine service life rather than an additional obligation.

Globally, armed forces are increasingly recognizing that environmental degradation, climate change and resource scarcity pose long-term risks to national security and stability. Sustainability is now viewed as a key component of national resilience and operational readiness. Through "Clean Today, Green Tomorrow," the Sri Lanka Air Force has aligned itself with this global outlook, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and defence responsibilities can progress together.

A key strength of the initiative has been its collaboration with Aitken Spence PLC, which supported the programme as its sustainability partner. With a strong reputation for responsible business practices and sustainable development, Aitken Spence PLC provided guidance and expertise that strengthened the initiative's overall impact. The partnership highlights the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges.

The importance of this initiative is further enhanced as the Sri Lanka Air Force marks its 75th anniversary. For over seven decades, the SLAF has served the nation by safeguarding sovereignty, supporting humanitarian missions, responding to natural disasters and contributing to national development. In this milestone year, extending responsibility to environmental protection represents a natural and timely evolution of national service.

As Sri Lanka continues to face mounting environmental pressures, "Clean Today, Green Tomorrow" stands out as a sustainable environmental initiative led by the Sri Lanka Air Force Seva Vanitha Unit, with active participation from SLAF establishments islandwide. Through disciplined action, responsible leadership and strong private-sector collaboration, the Sri Lanka Air Force continues to serve the nation beyond defence - working steadily towards a cleaner today and a greener tomorrow.