Abstract:
Passikudah, located in the Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, is a famous coastal
tourist destination known for its calm beaches and luxury resorts. It attracts around 70,000 visitors
each year, including both national and international tourists. In 2023, Sri Lanka saw a major
increase in tourism, welcoming over 1.4 million tourists, which was a 106.5% rise from the
previous year. While tourism has brought many economic benefits to the area, it has also caused
serious environmental concerns—especially the growing problem of plastic waste along the
coastline and nearby areas. This study focuses on finding sustainable, community- based solutions
to manage plastic waste in Passikudah, with an emphasis on involving local people in protecting
their environment. Using a mixed-method approach that includes field surveys, interviews with
key stakeholders, and spatial data analysis, the research looks into the current waste management
systems and explores new ideas like local recycling programs, awareness campaigns, and eco
tourism projects. The aim is to show how important community involvement is in reducing plastic
pollution while promoting environmentally friendly tourism. The findings are expected to help
provide useful suggestions for government authorities, tourism operators, and local communities
to support a cleaner and more sustainable coastal environment in Passikudah.
