HNB Assurance PLC extends its partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), in supporting the Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO Sri Lanka) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) by committing to an additional 15 hectares of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) removal within the Lunugamvehera National Park over the next three years.
This programme, focuses on the removal of Lantana Camara (S. Gandapana) and Eupatorium odoratum (S. Podi Singho Maran), which have been rapidly spreading and disrupting the native ecosystem across 900 hectares, creating a sustainable livelihood and a sense of ownership for the community around this national park.
Further, this initiative is expected to mitigate the human-elephant conflict by restoring vital grazing areas for elephants, which rely on Lunugamvehera as a critical migratory route between Yala and Udawalawa forest reserves.
HNB Assurance PLC CEO Lasitha Wimalaratne stated; “Our partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka has shown remarkable results in the past through this project and we are committed to deepening our engagement to amplify the impact we can further create.”
Biodiversity Sri Lanka Senior Advisor Shiranee Yasaratne said; “The commitment of HNB Assurance to this cause is truly commendable. Their continued support allows FEO Sri Lankato make significant strides in combating invasive alien species and restoring the natural balance within Lunugamvehera National Park. This project not only benefits the environment but also enriches the lives of local communities through employment and education and BSL is a proud facilitator of this support.”
The initial year of the project, will see the most labor-intensive phase with the primary removal of IAPS. The following two years will involve maintenance cycles to eliminate new seeds and plants.
Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer/General Manager, Dinesh Yogaratnam added, “When we first signed up for this project in 2023, we quickly realized the profound impact it could have on both the environment and the local communities. Seeing the positive changes firsthand reinforced our commitment to this cause.”
“We are always very grateful for the support we receive from our sponsors and partners in conserving this beautiful country. Our special thanks to HNB Assurance and Bio Diversity Sri Lanka in coming forward once again to support this important initiative”, said Keith Wijesuriya, Chair of FEO Sri Lanka.
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