Expolanka commemorates World Water Day with ‘Every Drop Matters’ project

Saturday, 29 March 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Expolanka Holdings PLC once again proved its commitment to safeguarding the environment, providing financial assistance to the ‘Every Drop Matters’ (EDM) project in partnership with the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) and the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy. Celebrating World Water Day on 22 March, Expolanka launched this year’s program for ‘Every Drop Matters’ project at a ceremony held at the Central Bank premises. This year’s program focuses on spreading awareness on water conservation amongst the communities living in Seethawaka, bordering the Kelani River.

In addition, the Seethawake Urban Council will distribute three separate garbage bags (labelled ‘bio degradable, plastic and glass’) each to the families within the area to encourage them to dispose of their garbage in a proper manner. The Urban Council will take measures to periodically collect garbage from these families. Commenting on the project, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and CSR Paddy Weerasekera said: “As a truly Sri Lankan business entity that is committed to sustainability, we believe in straightforward, practical approaches to problems. One of the biggest causes of river pollution is domestic waste that is tossed into the river. This project aims to educate the public and provide them with a practical alternative. We are pleased to be involved in such a project.” In 2013, Expolanka took part in a similar series of events near the Kelani River basin in Biyagama in collaboration with UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy. “Last year’s project focused on educating the public was successful. This year we pick up the pace of that success, going that extra mile to introduce a simple solution to all parties concerned. I am delighted to see the private sector take an active interest in water conservation through their CSR programs. Water is a precious and a scarce resource that we must take every possible precaution to preserve and safeguard. It is a mammoth task and we need assistance from all entities of the society to ensure its success,” commented Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri, Head of the UNDP Sri Lanka Environment and Disaster Management Program. Expolanka Holdings is involved in a number of CSR projects. The Group’s Hiniduma Tree Planting Initiative with Carbon Consulting Company (CCC) and Rainforest Rescue International (RRI) help preserve the rainforests of the country. Expo Medix is a fast growing chain of affordable not for profit medical clinics, inspired by the idea of providing free medical consultation and subsidised drugs to patients. All CSR projects focus on five areas, namely, health, education, environment, community development and disaster relief, covering most of the social needs of the country and thus establishing Expolanka as a corporate citizen working for a better tomorrow.