[2] In 2018, Katuwawala set up The Pearl Protectors to create awareness about plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.
[3] Initially a social media-driven platform, The Pearl Protectors has grown into a conservation organisation with over 2,000 volunteers.
[4] The organisation runs various projects aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, including the Nurdle Free Lanka[5] campaign, which was launched in response to the 2021 MV X-Press Pearl disaster; Turtle Patrol to deter poachers from illegally taking sea turtle eggs;[6] Cleaner Seabeds of Sri Lanka to remove ghost nets from coral reefs.
[8] His work includes educating the public on the negative impact of single-use plastics, mobilizing volunteers for marine conservation projects, and advocating for stronger policies and laws to protect Sri Lanka's marine environment.
[9] Katuwawala was named May Sea Hero by Scuba Diving magazine in recognition of his work, his leadership in the aftermath of the MV X-Press Pearl disaster, and his ongoing efforts in marine conservation.