The Hayleys Plantations Sector marked World Environment Day 2026 with a series of environmental initiatives across Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC and Horana Plantations PLC, reaffirming its commitment to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable plantation management.
Bringing together employees, estate communities, schoolchildren, educators and other stakeholders, the sector transformed World Environment Day into a platform for environmental education and collective action. Activities included tree-planting campaigns, awareness walks, creative competitions, community outreach programmes and experiential learning sessions, equipping participants with practical knowledge on protecting ecosystems and adopting more environmentally responsible lifestyles.
Commenting on the initiative, Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said:
"We see environmental responsibility as a shared journey across our plantation landscape, requiring vision, commitment and collective action. Through these initiatives, we are strengthening climate resilience, enhancing biodiversity and creating opportunities for meaningful community participation in conservation. Our commitment remains focused on embedding nature-positive practices across every aspect of our operations."
One of the key highlights was the launch of the Hill Country Green Force by Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, a long-term volunteer programme designed to encourage employees, youth and estate communities to actively participate in waste reduction, water conservation and community clean-up campaigns.
Schoolchildren also played an active role in raising environmental awareness by staging a street drama in Nuwara Eliya, creatively highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. The outreach programme was further strengthened through awareness sessions and the distribution of trilingual information leaflets to promote sustainable practices within local communities.
Participants also visited the Somerset ECO Material Processing Centre, where they gained first-hand insight into circular economy practices and zero-emission recycling solutions. The programme concluded with Sri Lanka's first screening of the documentary "Becoming Nature Positive," inspiring audiences through compelling stories of ecosystem restoration and the global movement towards nature-positive development.
Meanwhile, Kelani Valley Plantations PLC observed World Environment Day through its Surakimu Ganga initiative under the Kelani Valley Protectors programme, reinforcing the company's long-standing commitment to protecting freshwater ecosystems that support local communities, agriculture and biodiversity.
Through these initiatives, the Hayleys Plantations Sector continues to demonstrate its commitment to integrating sustainability into plantation operations while empowering communities to play an active role in conserving Sri Lanka's natural environment for future generations.
Siyapatha Finance Expands Islandwide Presence with 64th Branch in Bandarawela
Siyapatha Finance PLC has strengthened its islandwide presence with the opening of its 64th branch in Bandarawela, marking another milestone in the company's expansion strategy and reinforcing its commitment to delivering accessible, customer-focused financial solutions across Sri Lanka.
Strategically located in the scenic hill town of Bandarawela in the Badulla District, the new branch has been established to provide greater convenience and easier access to a comprehensive range of financial services for individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses in the region.
The branch was officially inaugurated by Chief Executive Officer Mathisha Hewavitharana, together with Chief Operating Officer Rajeev De Silva. The opening ceremony was attended by D.M. Dewmi Tharindi, the Bandarawela Dharmapala Vidyalaya student who won the Under-18 Girls' 3,000m event at the Junior National Athletics Championship, alongside members of the company's senior management and staff, local government officials, representatives of financial institutions, insurance companies and invited guests.
Commenting on the expansion, CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana said:
"We are deeply honoured to be of service to the people of Bandarawela. Opening this branch is a pivotal step in our 2026 expansion strategy and a reflection of our commitment to strengthening our presence across Sri Lanka. Bandarawela is a region with significant economic potential, particularly through its strong agricultural sector. We look forward to reaching many more communities as we continue our growth journey."
The Bandarawela branch offers Siyapatha Finance's full suite of financial products and services, including leasing, fixed deposits, gold loans, business loans, personal loans, Fast Draft, factoring, and Smart Pay, the company's convenient bill payment facility.
With the addition of its 64th branch, Siyapatha Finance continues to expand its nationwide network while supporting regional economic development through innovative financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of customers. The latest expansion reflects the company's long-term commitment to improving financial accessibility, strengthening customer relationships and contributing to sustainable growth across Sri Lanka.
Hayleys Plantations Marks World Environment Day 2026 with Nature-Positive Climate Action
