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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In a world increasingly shaped by conscious consumption, water is no longer just a necessity, it is a story of origin, responsibility, and impact. As Sri Lanka’s first natural mineral water, Olu Tropical Water is rooted in a simple belief: what we take from nature must be protected at its source.

This World Water Day, the focus turns to the ecosystems that make pure water possible and why their survival matters to us all.

The Hidden Origins of Water

High above Sri Lanka’s central highlands lies one of nature’s most extraordinary ecosystems – a cloud forest. Unlike typical forests, cloud forests exist at elevations where mist and clouds settle at canopy level, creating a constant cycle of moisture.

These forests act as natural water towers, capturing rainfall and filtering it slowly through layers of soil and rock. This natural filtration process enriches the water with essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, while maintaining its purity.

It is here that Olu’s water begins untouched, mineral-rich, and shaped by time.

Despite their importance, these ecosystems remain fragile and increasingly vulnerable to climate change and human activity.

Protecting What We Take: Stewardship

To take from nature is a privilege. To protect it is a responsibility we carry every day.

Cloud forests are not only vital for water, they are also biodiversity hotspots, home to endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. In Sri Lanka, these ecosystems support delicate wildlife corridors, enabling species to move, survive, and thrive.

Protecting these habitats ensures that water sources remain resilient and ecosystems stay balanced.

This responsibility is even more urgent in the face of global challenges. Studies estimate that over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, breaking down into microplastics that infiltrate marine life and eventually, human systems.

Protecting water, therefore, goes beyond conservation; it is about safeguarding the entire ecological chain.

Extending the Impact: Purpose Beyond Product

Olu’s responsibility does not end at the bottle it extends into the world it belongs to. The brand’s evolution reflects this ethos.

From its early use of PET packaging to its transition to glass in 2019, Olu made a conscious shift to reduce long-term environmental impact, despite higher costs. This decision alone has prevented significant plastic waste from entering the ecosystem.

Beyond packaging, initiatives like the Leopard Edition developed in collaboration with wildlife conservation partners highlight the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.

Efforts to preserve wildlife corridors further reinforce the understanding that water, wildlife, and forests are deeply interconnected.

Sustainability, in this context, is not a standalone effort. It is a shared responsibility between brands, communities, and consumers.

Because protecting water is ultimately about protecting life itself.

About Us

Olu Tropical Water is the flagship brand of Liquid Island Pvt. Ltd. Founded in 2021, the company is a beverage company with a portfolio of reputed and trusted product lines, including Pelican Island mixers, Fever-Tree Indian tonic water, and Monin flavored syrups.

The post The Invisible Source: Rethinking Water, Nature, and Responsibility appeared first on Newswire.

The awards ceremony, held on 23rd October 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), was graced by the Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, under whose distinguished patronage the event took place. The occasion also saw the participation of Hon. (Dr.) Dhammika P. Disanayake, Minister of Environment, and Hon. Anton Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Environment.

Dutch Trails received the Bronze Award in the Environmentally friendly private institution category, recognizing its ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism,” said Shan Meemanage, Chairman, Dutch Trails “From eco-conscious travel planning to empowering local communities, our mission has always been to preserve the natural beauty of Sri Lanka while delivering authentic experiences for our guests. We are honored that our work has been acknowledged at a national level.”

Dutch Trails has consistently championed introducing novel concepts in harvesting the ample natural resources of Sri Lanka sustainably, aligning with national environmental goals and global sustainability standards. The company continues to invest in sustaining local resources and empowering communities to ensure long-term ecological balance and socio economic impact.

Organized annually by the Central Environmental Authority, the Presidential Environment Awards honor institutions, individuals, and enterprises that demonstrate outstanding achievements in environmental management and sustainable practices. This year’s ceremony celebrated a diverse range of organizations that have contributed meaningfully to the protection and enhancement of Sri Lanka’s environment.

These awards stand as a testament to Dutch Trails’ enduring commitment to sustainability and inspire the company to further strengthen its environmental and community-focused initiatives in the years ahead.

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