Global giant Standard Chartered paves way for Sri Pada pilgrims

Thursday, 12 May 2011 00:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

To facilitate ease of climbing for over 300,000 pilgrims that make their way annually to the summit, the paving and renovation of steps leading to the peak of the sacred area of Sri Pada, funded by Standard Chartered Bank, was recently concluded.

To mark the completion of the project, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank Anirvan Ghosh Dastidar yesterday handed over a portrait of the peak with the reconstructed steps to Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

The project, funded by Standard Chartered Bank and undertaken by the Ministry of Construction, Engineering Service, Housing and Common Amenities, took almost two years to complete with supervision and project management by the National Physical Planning Department.

“It is an honour for us at Standard Chartered Bank to have played a key role in the development of this sacred site,” said Dastidar.

Dastidar went on to emphasise that helping restore and facilitate access to the holy area underscored Standard Chartered’s commitment and reflected the importance of Sri Lanka in the bank’s global portfolio.

The over 7,000 feet high mountain is accessed by over 300,000 pilgrims annually, to venerate and pay homage to the legendary footprint of Lord Buddha. Meaning ‘holy footprint,’ Sri Pada is an icon to people of all faiths – the Hindus call it ‘Shiva’s Peak’ and Christians from the old Indian Church think that the apostle Thomas lived there during his mission in India. To the Muslims of the world, it is ‘Adam’s Peak,’ interpreting the footprints as those of the first man on earth. In the history of religions, Sri Pada is a holy mountain of classic importance.

Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international bank, listed on the London, Hong Kong and Mumbai Stock Exchanges. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world’s most dynamic markets and earns more than 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the bank’s growth in recent years.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for more than 80,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. The bank’s heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, ‘Here for Good’.