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 Sri Lanka Army has commenced restoration of the steps that had become unsafe in the Mahagiridamba area along the main access route to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) due to the disaster situation in the country, to facilitate safe access for devotees.

The Sri Pada pilgrimage season for this year commenced on 04 December 2025, but the steps along the route have become unsafe due to landslides that occurred in the area due to extreme weather.

Accordingly, the Army promptly deployed troops for restoration work with effect from 11 December 2025. 

At present, around 400 troops are engaged in restoration work, providing the necessary assistance to transport construction materials to the site through difficult terrain.

According to an Army statement, the 300 mm side wall has been fully completed, while construction of the 500 mm wall reached approximately 90% completion on 31 December 2025. 

The main retaining wall is presently under construction, with around 65% of the work completed, and the handrail is also approximately 70% completed.

The Sri Lanka Army states that the project is expected to be completed by 05 January 2026. (Newswire)

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The Road Development Authority (RDA) has closed the Sri Pada – Norton Bridge road via Ginigathhena and Diyagala from June 14 to 24 for urgent repairs.

The closure follows concerns over a severely damaged bridge at risk of collapse. A new Bailey bridge will be constructed during this period.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes via Kalugala, Polpitiya, and Laxapana. Residents say the bridge has been in disrepair for years, with recent rains worsening its condition. (Newswire)

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A 32-year-old man who had jumped from the upper part of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) recently and was reported missing since last Wednesday has been found alive nearly eight days after the incident.

The youth had visited Sri Pada with a group from his hometown and had jumped off the protective fence at the Ratnapura-Sri Pada route from the upper part of the sacred mountain on April 17. 

A special search operation launched jointly by the Police and Sri Lanka Army to find the missing youth, who is a resident of Sooriyawewa in Hambantota, had been suspended three days after the incident. 

The Police said, however, he was found alive in the Rajamale area of Mare Estate located close to the Adam’s Peak Wilderness Sanctuary in the Nallathanniya Police Division last morning.

He was found by a group of estate workers who had informed the Nallathanniya Police Station, after which the youth had been hospitalised. 

The Police said the cause for the man to jump off Sri Pada is yet to be ascertained, while a joint investigation is underway by the Nallathanniya and Sri Pada Police. (Newswire)

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