Softlogic Finance launches another phase of ‘Clean Zone’ initiative in Kataragama
Advocating environmentally friendly practices amongst all Sri Lankans, Softlogic Finance PLC launched another phase of its innovative ‘Clean Zone’ initiative to coincide with the annual ‘Padayathra’ pilgrimage in Kataragama in partnership with the Rotary Club of Colombo Fort.
Striving to tackle the issue of plastic and polythene waste that accumulates in the area during the ‘Padayathra’ pilgrimage, Softlogic Finance provided 2,500 reusable cloth bags to the Kataragama Local Government Authority.
Softlogic Finance PLC CEO Nalin Wijekoon graced the occasion. Monaragala district office of the Central Environmental authority will carry out the provision of reusable cloth bags to pilgrims who arrive in Kataragama.
Thousands of pilgrims visit the sacred city of Kataragama annually during the ‘Padayathra’ season. For years, plastic and polythene that pilgrims bring to the area from all over the country continued to pose a daunting issue to the authorities. The use of more polythene bags to collect waste contributed to worsen the situation in place of solving it.
Striving to find a solution, Softlogic Finance and the Rotary Club of Colombo Fort used electronic and print media to request pilgrims to switch to reusable bags and containers during their pilgrimage. Those who bring single use polythene and plastic to the sacred area can present their plastic and polythene bags to the collection centre set up by the Kataragama Local Government Authority at the entrance to the site and obtain reusable bags provided by Softlogic Finance in return.
Environmental expert Chiaki Nishi of JICA introduced the concept as a solution to manage the gargantuan issue of polythene bags that litter Kataragama area annually.
Chiaki Nishi is a consultant to the programme ‘minimising environmental pollution and solid waste management’ organised by the Central Environment Authority. Based on the success of the initiative in Kataragama, Softlogic Finance and the Rotary Club of Colombo Fort plan to implement similar projects at other significant places of worship in the country.