Pioneering turtle conservation research at Rekawa Centre unveiled by Sampath Bank

Sampath Bank officials (from left): Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer Ajantha de Vas Gunasekara, Senior Deputy General Manager-Marketing, Customer Care and Card Centre Tharaka Ranwala, Chief Human Resource Officer Dr. Lalith Weragoda, Head of Sustainability Nuwan Pathirana along with other bank representatives, handed over a fully-fledged camping site to the Department of Wildlife Conservations Assistant Director Southern Region Channa Suraweera (fourth from left) and Wildlife Ranger W.A.C. Abeyrathne (third from left), accompanied by other officials

Committed to environmental preservation, Sampath Bank proudly handed over a fully-fledged camping site for research purposes at the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Centre to the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) recently. This initiative marks another milestone in the bank’s Turtle Conservation Project, a key element of its ‘A Breath to the Ocean’ Corporate Sustainability Responsibility program.

The new facilities, inaugurated just in time for World Sea Turtle Day on 16 June, are designed to serve as educational research hubs for locals and tourists. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of sea turtles, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for these magnificent creatures. The Research Centre and Camping site aim to amplify conservation efforts by providing resources for in-depth studies and engaging experiences amongst marine enthusiasts.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sampath Bank Chief Human Resource Officer Dr. Lalith Weragoda said: “This project emphasises our unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of marine biodiversity. By enhancing the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Centre, we are not only aiding in the preservation of endangered sea turtles but also empowering the community and visitors to become active participants in conservation efforts.”

The Research Centre will support scientific studies and conservation strategies crucial for the survival of sea turtles, while the Camping site offers a unique immersive experience, allowing participants to witness the life cycle of turtles up close. These facilities complement earlier initiatives by Sampath Bank, including the establishment of education centres, three hatcheries, landscaped areas, and turtle treatment and rescue tanks at Rekawa.

Sampath Bank’s partnership with the DWC has been instrumental in conservation efforts on five endangered sea turtle species. Through collaborative efforts, the area has become a beacon for eco-tourism and environmental education. The bank’s holistic approach encompasses community engagement, scientific research, and sustainable tourism, ensuring a multi-faceted impact on turtle conservation.

Past initiatives, such as the two-day conservation event in December 2023, highlighted the bank’s dedication. Keynote speeches from marine specialists, interactive sessions on the importance of turtle conservation, and hands-on experiences, such as night excursions to observe turtle nesting and hatching, have all contributed to raising awareness and fostering a culture of conservation.

Sampath Bank’s continuous investment in projects of this magnitude exemplifies its broader mission of promoting environmental sustainability. By creating platforms for education and research, the bank is helping to secure a future where marine ecosystems thrive, and endangered species are protected. This latest contribution reinforces the bank’s role as a steward of nature, dedicated to preserving the delicate balance of our oceans for generations to come.