People’s Leasing and Bio Conservation Society jointly improve beach vegetation from Mannar to Tangalle

People’s Leasing and Finance PLC (PLC), a subsidiary of the People’s Bank, invests part of its profits on outreach CSR engaging the volunteered support of the staff members from the branch network islandwide for the betterment of the society and environment.

The PLC recently and successfully completed a CSR initiative to improve the beach vegetation through a planting campaign where 5,500 saplings were planted from Mannar to Tangalle. This initiative is expected to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the coastal eco system.

Guided by the Coastal Conservation Department, PLC joined hands with Bio Conservation Society to implement this CSR. In the coastal belt extending from Mannar to Tangalle, 4,500 Pandunus tectorius (watakeiyya) plants and 1,000 Rhizophora Mangrove plants were planted. Locations include (Erukkalampidi) Mannar, (Kandakuliya) Puttalam, (Kurukupane) Chilaw, (Dungalpitiya) Negombo, (Pothupitiya) Panadura, (Athuruwella) Aluthgama, (Ahungalla) Ambalangoda, (Mahamodara) Galle, (Midigama) Matara and (Kapuhenwala) Tangalle, the company said in a media release.

In addition to the planting programme, 10 workshops on conservation of coastal eco system was conducted for the stakeholders who directly and indirectly related to coastal eco system including officials of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka Police, Coastal Conservation Department, school children, community based organisations, and local communities. This understanding of mangroves and their ecosystem functions is expected to enable local communities to better involve with managing mangrove programmes.

“It was significant that not only these stakeholders actively volunteered in planting but also expressed their commitment to protect the newly planted saplings until they establish in the new soil. Participants were presented with certificates as a gesture of appreciation,” the release said.

Sabry Ibrahim, CEO/GM, PLC’s speaking of this CSR initiative, said that PLC as a responsible corporate is dedicated towards conserving the environment and enhancing status of citizens in the country with the great enthusiasm and commitment from the branch network.

Bio Conservation Society (BCSL) is an active organisation in Sri Lanka that is involved in conserving sea turtles. The Chairman of BCSL, Dr. Lalith Ekanayake is an expert on conserving sea turtles.

Dr. Ekanayake stated, “We are pleased to partner with PLC in implementing this initiative. Absorption of carbon dioxide from atmosphere by mangroves is directly related with Greenhouse effect and thereby controls global climate change. Growing of small fish and prawns will be increased among the root system of the mangroves. Hence, fishermen will get a chance to increase their fish harvest. Further, the beach vegetation coverage will be increased and it will directly impact to reduce the beach erosion due to high tide and rough sea. Coastal communities depend on lagoon fishery and this type of immediate conservation and management actions are essential in order to preserve this vital ecosystem as beach vegetation including mangroves are disappearing from many areas.”