plastic pollution Sri Lanka – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk Sri Lanka's largest News aggregator Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:35:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.8 https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/favicon.png plastic pollution Sri Lanka – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk 32 32 Siyapatha Finance Concludes Annual Sri Pada Cleaning Project https://www.newswire.lk/business/siyapatha-finance-concludes-annual-sri-pada-cleaning-project/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:35:51 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=249821

Premier finance company, Siyapatha Finance PLC successfully concluded the “2026 Sri Pada Cleaning Project” in conjunction with the company’s 21stContinue Reading

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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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The Invisible Source: Rethinking Water, Nature, and Responsibility https://www.newswire.lk/business/the-invisible-source-rethinking-water-nature-and-responsibility/ Sun, 22 Mar 2026 03:30:00 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=228235

In a world increasingly shaped by conscious consumption, water is no longer just a necessity, it is a story ofContinue Reading

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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.

“Cloud forests are incredibly rare, covering less than 1% of global forest area, yet they play a critical role in sustaining freshwater systems for millions of people.”

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.

“Protecting water sources begins with protecting the ecosystems that sustain them.”

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.

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Cinnamon Life Leads Beach Cleanup on World Tourism Day https://www.newswire.lk/business/cinnamon-life-leads-beach-cleanup-on-world-tourism-day/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:30:17 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=207120 Cinnamon Life’s Beach Care on World Tourism Day

On World Tourism Day, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams turned its focus to the heart of Sri Lanka’s beautyContinue Reading

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On World Tourism Day, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams turned its focus to the heart of Sri Lanka’s beauty its coastline. In a heartfelt show of commitment to sustainable tourism, the team launched a special “Beach Care” initiative at Uswetakeiyawa Beach, bringing together associates who share a deep passion for protecting the island’s natural treasures.

With hands, hearts, and teamwork, the volunteers removed over 400 kilograms of plastic and polythene waste, giving this vibrant shoreline a renewed lease of life. A permanent garbage bin was also installed to encourage the local community and beachgoers to play their part in keeping the coast clean, turning one day’s action into a lasting impact.

Reflecting on the initiative, Sameera Ranasinghe, Director – Sustainability & Compliance, Cinnamon Life, shared: “Tourism can only truly flourish when people and the environment flourish together. For us, this is more than just a clean up it’s a promise to safeguard the beauty of our shores so that future generations can experience Sri Lanka as we do today.”

The “Beach Care” project is one of many steps in Cinnamon Life’s broader sustainability journey, which balances unforgettable experiences for guests with the preservation of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. By empowering associates to be active custodians of the environment, Cinnamon Life is nurturing a culture where responsible tourism becomes second nature.

As Sri Lanka continues to shine as a leading destination in Asia, initiatives like “Beach Care” remind us that the island’s beauty is not just a backdrop for tourism, but that it is a shared responsibility. Protecting it ensures that both visitors and locals will always find wonder on Sri Lanka’s shores.

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