This June, The Shoppes at City of Dreams Sri Lanka will celebrate World Oceans Day 2026 on June 6 and 7 with a two-day programme inspired by the beauty, wonder and importance of the oceans.
In partnership with The Pearl Protectors, the initiative will feature interactive workshops, hands-on art experiences and family-friendly activities aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation while encouraging creativity among children and young adults.
Blending education with entertainment, the collaboration will transform The Shoppes into a community space where families can engage in meaningful, ocean-themed experiences designed to inspire future generations of environmental stewards.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be the “Reef Builders” workshops, where children and teens can create their own cardboard sea creatures ranging from jellyfish and turtles to sharks and reef fish. Designed for two age groups, the sessions combine storytelling, creativity and conservation in a fun and engaging way. The “Tide Pool Crew” session for children aged 4 to 9 will feature story time, creature cards and colourful take-home creations, while the “Deep Reef Crew” for ages 10 and above will introduce participants to real-world ocean challenges, species conservation and marine ecosystems through conversation and interactive building activities.
Adding another creative dimension to the celebrations is the World Oceans Day Art Competition, which invites participants to express their love for the ocean through hand-painted artwork, digital art and digital imagery. Inspired by themes such as “Echoes of the Wounded” and “The View from Below,” the competition encourages artists to reflect on both the beauty of marine life and the urgent need to protect it. Entries are open now, with submissions closing on May 31.
Observed globally on June 8, World Oceans Day highlights the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth, from producing oxygen and regulating climate to supporting biodiversity and livelihoods worldwide. In Sri Lanka, where the ocean is deeply connected to national identity, conservation efforts continue to play a vital role in protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.
The Pearl Protectors, one of Sri Lanka’s leading youth-led marine conservation organisations, has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity and build environmental awareness among communities and young people.
Together, The Shoppes and The Pearl Protectors aim to deliver a World Oceans Day celebration that is educational, immersive and family-friendly, combining sustainability, creativity and community engagement.