BOC ‘Thuru Mithuru Campaign’ in commemoration of 75th Anniversary
Saturday, 13 December 2014 00:10
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As a bank with a deeper community commitment towards the nation, Bank of Ceylon has extended its corporate social responsibility (CSR) intiatives towards environmental protection through planting trees islandwide. The campaign was organised with the patronage of the bank’s Chairman Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama and General Manager D.M. Gunasekara.
“By organising this campaign we wish to make an important gesture to demonstrate our concern towards the environment as one of our CSR initiatives. We hope that our contribution to this will inspire the community as well,” Gunasekara stated.
“Saving trees and saving the environment is a universal responsibility. Understanding the importance we have arranged this campaign in three stages – in one of which we involve schoolchildren to enhance emotional connection between children and trees/ environment. These qualities may be reflected in their behaviour to protect the environment and improve quality of life,” he further added.
The value of trees can not be quantified into one or several benefits. Trees are a part of the whole ecological system. As a whole they bring value to us – humans – in various ways: community and social value, ecological and environmental, personal and spiritual, commercial, property and economic value.
Few of the most known contributions of trees to the world that they provide oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and improving air quality. US Department of Agriculture reveals that one acre of forest absorb six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. Trees affect the climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and filter sun’s radiant energy, lower the air temperature and reduce the heat intensity of greenhouse effect, trees provide a screen from harsh wind, influence the wind speed and direction, provide a shield from downfall of rain.
Trees play a vital role the eco-system by reaching roots and holding soil in place. They absorb and store rain water and improve ground water supply recharge. Fallen leaves make compost that enriches soil. Trees provide natural habitat for many animals providing them shelter, food, medicine and protection. Therefore our responsibility is to preserve trees for a healthy life.
Apart from involving school children the bank handed over saplings to customers on the same day. This task was carried out at Bank of Ceylon branches. The bank also carried out tree planting on one kilometre spread on the side of a selected road in each province. The bank will continue to maintain these trees for a span of three years as a CSR project.
