Premier finance company, Siyapatha Finance PLC successfully concluded the “2026 Sri Pada Cleaning Project” in conjunction with the company’s 21st Anniversary and World Environment Day celebrations.

This year’s initiative adopted a combined approach consisting of both corrective and preventive measures, where nearly a tonne of polythene and plastic waste was collected within the span of one day, alongside raising public awareness and encouraging visitors to actively participate in the preservation of the holy ground through proper waste management practices.

The third largest peak wilderness sanctuary in Sri Lanka, Sri Pada is the natural habitat for approximately 8% of the country’s indigenous flora and fauna as well as a high concentration of endangered species. It accommodates three distinctive ecological zones – namely, Lowland Rainforest, Sub-montane Rainforest, and Cloud Forest – based on the region’s varying high and low altitudes. The reserve also forms numerous headwaters in the territory, including for three major rivers in the country: Kelani, Kalu, and Walawe.

Sri Pada was declared a Wildlife Nature Reserve in 1940 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 in recognition of its rich biodiversity, wilderness, historical significance, and cultural value. One of the most revered, world-renowned pilgrimage sites in modern Sri Lanka, Sri Pada is visited by thousands of worshippers and sightseers from across the globe. Unfortunately, this growing footfall every year has led to the gradual pollution and destruction of the holy site, in turn posing a major threat to its unique ecosystem.

Under the guidance of Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, Most Venerable Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera, and with permission and utmost support of the Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, the Wildlife Conservation Department and the Nallathanniya Police, over 50 staff members of Siyapatha Finance PLC, headed by the Chief Executive Officer and the senior management, forged ahead with this year’s collaborative effort to protect the sacred site.

Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “Recognizing that long-term corporate success is inherently entwined with environmental prosperity and sustenance was a massive eye-opener in the formative days of Siyapatha’s journey, to have a deeper understanding of our mission as a business entity. Through the years, we’ve witnessed firsthand how our projects bring out the power of people through collaboration and cooperation – the impact of even a single, thoughtful initiative on the betterment of this country’s wellbeing and progress. I am deeply thankful for everyone who has rendered their time, energy, and support to bring this year’s project to fruition.”

Launched in 2024 under “Siyapathen Mihikathata Green Initiative”, Siyapatha Finance’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy centred on environmental conservation and preservation, the Sri Pada Cleaning Project is recognized as a momentous annual event in the Company’s corporate calendar, uniting communities in protecting the Island Nation’s history, heritage, and environment.

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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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