LEF is supporting Nurdle Free Lanka, a volunteer-driven coastal cleanup initiative led by The Pearl Protectors. The project was first launched in response to the MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster in May 2021, which released billions of plastic pellets (nurdles) and toxic chemicals into the ocean, triggering what is widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s worst marine pollution event.

Since its launch, Nurdle Free Lanka has mobilised more than 2,700 volunteers through 34 coordinated cleanup efforts across four heavily impacted coastal districts. Over 1,700 kilograms of nurdles and microplastics have been removed from Sri Lanka’s beaches.

LEF has supported this initiative across multiple phases, first through its core funding and later through a funding partnership with Hoppers London. In 2025, LEF renewed its support following the MSC Elsa 3 spill, which occurred on 25 May off the coast of Kerala, India. The incident resulted in a new influx of nurdles reaching Sri Lanka’s western coastline.

The current phase of Nurdle Free Lanka is focused on priority sites in Colombo and Gampaha. Activities include weekly shoreline surveys, targeted cleanups, and continued development and distribution of community-friendly sieving tools for safe and efficient nurdle removal.

This work contributes to broader efforts to address the environmental and socio-economic risks posed by maritime disasters, and plays a vital role in safeguarding coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and the communities that depend on them.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us or reach out directly to The Pearl Protectors.‍