A team of young innovators from the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has brought international acclaim to Sri Lanka by winning first place at the prestigious South Asian youth innovation competition, PLEASE Hack.
The competition, aimed at developing sustainable solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis, saw participation from eight South Asian countries. The PLEASE Hack is part of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project, a five-year initiative implemented by the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), funded by the World Bank, and supported by UNOPS.
Mr. Chathura Madusanka’s Team, “Myco Box by White Root,” secured the regional award with their creative and environmentally promising innovation. The winning team impressed the international panel of judges with their groundbreaking solution: a biodegradable fish storage box, designed as an eco-friendly alternative to the Styrofoam containers commonly used in the fisheries industry. This innovation provides a sustainable substitute for plastic-based packaging, aligns with zero-waste principles, and supports the goals of a circular economy.
In 2022, Mr. Chathura Madusanka began his PhD research on mycelium material fabrication at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, under the guidance of Professor Dhanushka Udayanga, funded by a University Research Grant.
Drawing on three years of experience in this field and integrating recent technological advancements, Mr. Madusanka developed the biodegradable fish storage box as an alternative to Styrofoam with the support of final-year undergraduate student Ms. Pabodha Manchanayaka.
This outstanding achievement reflects the growing commitment among the younger generation in Sri Lanka to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The competition received over 250 applications from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In the first round, 98 teams were selected based on their proposals. Following a rigorous selection process, 23 finalist teams were chosen to participate in the regional finals held in Colombo on the 06th of April. Teams were evaluated based on innovation, business model, implementation feasibility, regional relevance, and sustainability.
This historic win is not just a triumph for the faculty and university but a symbol of national pride, showcasing the potential of Sri Lankan youth to tackle global environmental challenges through science and innovation.
