Sampath Bank proudly marked the groundbreaking ceremony of five more tanks under its flagship sustainability initiative, the ‘WewataJeewayak’ tank restoration programme, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to empowering rural farming communities across Sri Lanka. This new phase of the initiative is set to uplift the livelihoods of 1,112 farming families while rejuvenating 2,182 acres of paddy lands.

The restoration effort spans five strategically vital tanks such as the Divuldamana Wewa – Damminna, Manik Wewa – Dimbulagala, Awwadukulam Wewa – Senapura, Ketthapahuwa Wewa – Maho, and Ketan Wewa – Hambantota. The Divuldamana Wewa will support 637 farming families and revitalise 1,575 acres of paddy land, while Manik Wewa in Dimbulagala and Awwadukulam Wewa in Senapura are set to benefit 65 and 150 farming families cultivating 161 and 155 acres, respectively, with technical support provided by the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority. Meanwhile, Ketthapahuwa Wewa in Maho and Ketan Wewa in Hambantota will uplift 160 and 100 farming families across 131 and 160 acres of paddy land, under the guidance of the Department of Agrarian Development. The restoration work across these tanks will include repairing tank bunds and sluice gates, removing accumulated sludge, clearing invasive aquatic plants, and constructing water distribution canals to ensure consistent irrigation.

Commenting on the milestone, Sanjaya Gunawardana, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank, said, “As a bank deeply rooted in the heart of our communities, we recognise the transformative power of water in shaping resilient livelihoods. Through the ‘WewataJeewayak’ initiative, we are breathing new life into our irrigation system that sustain generations of farmers, enabling them to cultivate with confidence and contribute to our nation’s food security. This commitment reflects our unwavering dedication to creating sustainable value while honouring the heritage and vitality of rural Sri Lanka.”

This initiative also reflects Sampath Bank’s strong commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, where environmental stewardship and community empowerment go hand in hand. Through its investment in sustainable agriculture and rural development, the Bank continues to play a vital role in building a more inclusive and resilient future for Sri Lanka.

Since its inception in 2001, the ‘WewataJeewayak’ programme has revitalised numerous tanks across the island, reaffirming Sampath Bank’s dedication to driving socio-economic progress while preserving Sri Lanka’s rich agrarian heritage. As work begins on these five tanks, the Bank continues its journey of nurturing communities, empowering farmers, and strengthening the nation’s agricultural future.

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Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of more than 560 properties across 59 countries, continues to deepen its commitment to supporting the destinations in which it operates. As part of this long-standing focus, the group’s global ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative has played an important role in connecting hospitality with meaningful community support.

First introduced nearly a decade ago in Minor Hotels’ Anantara branded properties in Thailand, ‘Dollars for Deeds’ is now embedded into the social responsibility strategies of Minor Hotels worldwide. The programme invites guests to opt in at check in by contributing one US dollar per night of their stay. Minor Hotels matches each donation in full, with funds directed to carefully selected charitable and environmental projects tailored to each location.

From coral conservation in the Maldives to child welfare projects in Hungary, the initiative has consistently sought to create measurable impact. In Sri Lanka, support has been directed towards the Turtle Hatchery near Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala through Anantara Kalutara and Avani Kalutara.

Now, Minor Hotels Sri Lanka is taking this commitment even further by partnering with Ayati Trust, a national centre dedicated to supporting children with disabilities. Established in 2016 and operational since 2020, the Ayati National Centre for Children with Disabilities provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services to children and families across Sri Lanka. The facility — the first of its kind nationally — was formed through collaboration between the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, Roshan Wijerama family Foundation, Rotary International, and several philanthropic partners.

Ayati was built on the understanding that every child has potential — but children with disabilities often face social barriers that limit their access to care and opportunity. The centre offers early intervention programmes, occupational and speech therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, supported education services, and family counselling, while also training healthcare and education professionals to extend its impact across the country.

Since opening, over 14,000 children have registered at the centre, with daily attendance averaging 60 children. Designed to alleviate both emotional and financial stress, Ayati also provides transport allowances, meal support, and parent advocacy initiatives, while planning for long-term sustainability through skills training and supported employment schemes for young people.

“We believe hospitality must extend beyond the guest experience to a lasting, positive influence on the communities we serve,” explains Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. “Ayati represents exactly the kind of long-term, systemic impact we aim to support through ‘Dollars for Deeds’. This partnership reflects our confidence in Ayati’s work, and our commitment to enabling better futures for children across Sri Lanka.”

“Ayati was created to ensure that children with disabilities are seen, heard, and supported. Partnering with Minor Hotels is a significant step forward — not only for our centre, but for the broader recognition of inclusive healthcare as a national priority.” Abbas Esufally, Deputy Chairman of Ayati Trust said. “This support will help us expand our reach, strengthen our services, and continue offering families a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and independence.”

This partnership underscores Minor Hotels’ broader commitment to responsible growth, where each property serves not only as a destination for guests, but as a contributor to the long-term wellbeing of its surrounding community.

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