The MAS Foundation for Change was formed in 2022, as an independent non-profit organisation, to innovate, seek answers to pressing challenges and accelerate solutions. We do this by creating partnerships with innovators, implementers and sponsors who are changemakers in their fields.
Collaboration is pivotal to driving impactful change, which is why we engage with international organisations like USAID, Parley for the Ocean, SACEP, UNOPS, and IUCN; local authorities such as the CEA, SLLDC, WMA, the Forest Department and the Irrigation Department; and local corporations and non-governmental institutions who are working on the ground. These partnerships directly support SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, allowing us to amplify our impact and accelerate systemic change.
Sustainability has been in our DNA since the inception of MAS. Our Plan for Change serves as a blueprint, guiding us to transform products, lives, and the planet for the better. This is a journey we are deeply committed to, but we recognise that the world’s challenges require an immense, collective effort. The MAS Foundation for Change aspires to pave the way, leading by example and igniting a spark of change that ripples outward.
We have identified three pillars of focus to guide our efforts, as we endeavour to engage in impactful action, education, research and advocacy – to create a lasting positive impact in our communities.
Eradicating the ongoing pollution of oceans and inland waterways
Protecting and restoring terrestrial and marine ecosystems
Improving access to fresh water in disadvantaged communities
Our aim: Reducing the ongoing pollution of oceans and inland waterways
The waters around our breathtaking island nation, teeming with life, face a growing threat: plastic pollution. To safeguard vital marine ecosystems, immediate action is essential. Through innovative initiatives and enduring partnerships, the MAS Foundation for Change is at the forefront of the fight against riverine plastics. Our mission for Cleaner Oceans directly aligns with UN SDG 14: Life Below Water.
Launched in 2020 through collaboration with like-minded partners, our flagship project, the Ocean Strainers initiative, brings a large-scale floating trash trap concept to life. With 35 ocean strainers already installed and 192 additional locations identified for immediate deployment, we are taking significant strides in protecting marine ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. Our latest data indicates that our ocean strainers currently intercept a staggering 1,600,000 kilogrammes of waste annually.
Plans to expand this initiative are underway. We are aiming to have 90 units in the water in 2024 to create a protective barrier around the country. This has the potential to prevent as much as 80% of floating plastic waste from reaching the wider ocean.
Our work does not stop there, we are forging partnerships to establish or connect Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) with our ocean strainers, increasing plastic recycling rates and ensuring a more sustainable post-waste management approach. Furthermore, we are adapting and scaling the strainers for deployment in highland and sensitive upstream ecosystems. With a bold vision for cleaner seas, the Foundation aims to install 162 strainers by the end of 2025. These innovative Ocean Strainers will act as a vital shield, drastically reducing plastic flow through Sri Lanka’s waterways and ultimately, its precious ocean ecosystems. Additionally, we are developing a standardised monitoring and evaluation system – the first of its kind – to create a national database on plastic pollutants in waterways.
Our aim: Protecting and restoring terrestrial and marine ecosystems
While our Group takes action to increase biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services across 25,000 acres – 100 times the footprint of our facilities; the MAS Foundation for Change complements these efforts by spearheading large-scale conservation projects that restore habitats and champion biodiversity.
We are working with partners to conserve ecosystems, aligning with SDGs 13: Climate Action, and 15: Life on Land. The Foundation’s flagship reforestation project in Trincomalee, which restored six acres of endangered mangroves, marks a significant first step in this journey.
Our aim: Improving access to fresh water in disadvantaged communities
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of a healthy society. Clean, safe, and accessible water is vital for public health, community development, and a thriving economy.
We have completed initial scoping for projects that will help us achieve UN SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation in disadvantaged communities. The first project is set to begin in Anuradhapura District.
At the heart of our sustainability philosophy beats the pulse of our community. Through five recycling community centres and one government resource recovery centre, we diligently pursue resource recovery through innovative “waste to wealth” models. These centres are more than just hubs for waste management; they are vibrant spaces where communities can come together to make a difference. By generating additional revenue from recycling, they empower local communities economically, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in creating a cleaner future. This directly supports UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, as we encourage and empower stakeholder communities to embrace the circular economy.
We are investing in the generations of tomorrow by equipping preschool teachers with the knowledge and skills to instruct students on the social aspects of managing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Partnering with the Waste Management Authority and UNICEF, this programme empowers teachers to become sustainability champions. It directly aligns with UN SDGs 4: Quality Education and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, creating more inclusive and resilient communities.
Tackling plastic pollution is another core focus of the Foundation, and we drive progress through innovation. From national initiatives like the Plastic Innovation Challenge to developing sustainable alternatives for our Ocean Strainers using our own factory waste, we champion solutions that align with UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
The MAS Foundation for Change thrives on collaboration. We connect a powerful ecosystem of changemakers: innovators, implementers, and investors, to tackle global and local challenges.
Innovators are the solution architects behind groundbreaking technologies and practices. By partnering with us, they gain access to the communities that need their solutions and secure funding to pilot or scale their innovations.
Implementers are the boots-on-the-ground heroes - organisations and individuals with deep local knowledge. They understand the communities facing challenges and possess the expertise to implement and maintain solutions. Through our partnerships, they gain access to innovative tools and resources to address these pressing issues.
Investors bring the fuel that drives positive change. They can be from the private or public sector, or non-profits seeking to provide funding for proven, scalable solutions. Partnering with us allows them to directly target impactful projects and maximise the reach of their contributions.
The MAS Foundation for Change operates on a unique principle: 100% of donor funding goes directly to projects in the field. MAS Holdings itself covers all administrative costs. This commitment to transparency and efficiency has attracted a diverse range of global and local partners.
More information on the MAS Foundation for Change can be found