Cleaner future: LB Finance partners MEPA for sustainable beach cleaning initiatives

Wednesday, 12 February 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s coastal districts are home to some of the most important and economically valuable ecosystems. These districts include Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Puttalam, Mannar, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara, each playing a critical role in tourism, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation. However, the beaches in these districts are increasingly facing pollution issues, particularly from non-degradable waste.

Out of the total coastal length in Sri Lanka, which is approximately 1,620 kilometres, 546 beach stretches have been identified for daily cleanup due to significant garbage accumulation. The remaining stretches are either inaccessible or maintained by nearby hoteliers. Currently, only 28 kilometres of these stretches are actively cleaned by 44 Beach Care Takers (BCTs).

Being a leading corporate with a true sense of sustainability, LB Finance recognised the significance of cleaning beach stretches to support country’s environmental wellness. Accordingly, on 17 January 2025, the company entered into an agreement with the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) under which selected beach stretches will be cleaned daily.

As per the initial plan, selected areas of Crow Island Beach Park in Colombo, and Wadduwa beach will be cleaned by appointing five beach caretakers. These beach caretakers will be paid monthly for their service and the required infrastructure facilities will also be provided to carry out the program up to the standard.

Given below are the objectives of this beach cleaning program:

To reduce the adverse impact of non-degradable waste on marine environment across Sri Lanka’s coastal districts.
To implement continuous cleaning and maintenance of selected beach stretches.
To generate income opportunities for low-income families living on the coastal belt.
To develop community participation in environmental protection efforts.
To ensure the sustainability of marine and coastal environments.w

While LB Finance provides financial assistance, MEPA, Regional Managers and Samurdhi Development Officers will oversee the activities of the beach caretakers.

In undertaking this initiative, the Corporate Sustainability Department of LB Finance played a pivotal role. Special thanks go to LB Finance Deputy Managing Director Niroshan Udage, MEPA General Manager Jagath Gunasekara and Manager – Operations Nilantha Piyadasa.

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