Tokyo Power Lanka sponsors unique book on Horton Plains

Wednesday, 20 June 2012 00:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tokyo Power Lanka, a subsidiary of Tokyo Cement (Lanka) PLC, the leading manufacturer and supplier of international standard cement in Sri Lanka, once again demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development and responsible corporate citizenship by supporting the conservation efforts of local flora and fauna by sponsoring a book on the rich bio diversity of Horton Plains. The book launch was held at the Hilton Colombo, where the book, ‘Horton Plains’ edited by Rohan Pethiyagoda, was released amidst a large gathering of media and dignitaries.

Horton Plains is home to an amazing variety of endemic flora and fauna, such as birds, lichens, mammals and insect life. However, much of this rich bio diversity is under threat due a variety of reasons further compounded by inadequate conservation efforts. Unable to stand by and watch the gradual depletion of this rich legacy, Tokyo Power Lanka has stepped in to roll back the damage and back conservation efforts, so that the rich heritage of this national park can be made available to future generations as well.

The company has come forward to sponsor the book ‘Horton Plains’, which details the rich bio diversity and creates awareness about why this national park is held in so much regard by local and global experts. The book will be available for purchase at any Vijitha Yapa bookshop, Odel, Barefoot, Marks Bookshop Kandy or for purchase online at www.books.lk In an extension of this CSR initiative Tokyo Power will also be donating 300 books amongst local schools so that future generations realise the value and the wisdom of conserving the national park as well as for responsible tourism.

As a company that lives by the triple bottom-line approach of ensuring the safety of people, planet and profits, Tokyo Power is at the forefront of environmental management in the country. Tokyo Power has joined national and global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions by commissioning Sri Lanka’s first biomass power plant in Trincomalee.

The benefits of the Rs. 2 billion initiative are that it frees the company’s operations from reliance on thermal power generation via the national grid and acts as a source of eco friendly electricity. The company’s other pioneering feats include becoming the first local corporate to achieve the ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems certification, and the first cement manufacturer to achieve the ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems certification.

Tokyo Power Lanka has also embarked on a six MW Dendro Power Project at Mahiyangana, with an investment of Rs. 1.5 billion. The company believes Gliricidia planting would empower the rural communities and develop sustainable land use, while ensuring livelihoods for poor farming communities.

Tokyo Power Lanka is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Cement Ltd., A pioneer in cement manufacturing technology, Tokyo Cement lays claim to a number of industry firsts, including the setting–up of the country’s first automated cement factory. With a proven history of quality and integrity, Tokyo Cement is one of the country’s most valuable brands and the preferred choice of the Sri Lankan consumer.