The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has successfully concluded the second stage of its large-scale reforestation initiative in collaboration with the non-profit “Rainforest Protectors of Sri Lanka,” with the final phase contributing to a total planting target of 4,000 saplings in the Rajawaka rainforest.
The initiative, launched in November to mark CSE’s 40th anniversary, saw members of the Exchange plant the first 200 saplings of the second stage last week, completing a broader CSR programme themed “Let’s Celebrate 40 years with 4,000 Trees.”
Implemented under the WANAROPA programme and aligned with the global Bonn Challenge, the project supports Sri Lanka’s commitment to restoring degraded forest landscapes across 200,000 hectares of land.
The Rajawaka rainforest, located between the wet and intermediate climatic zones, is known for its rich biodiversity, including elephants, leopards, bee colonies, and a wide range of endemic flora and fauna.
The reforestation effort aims to expand forest cover, restore ecological balance, and strengthen climate resilience through improved carbon absorption, biodiversity protection, and water security for surrounding communities.
The programme also includes community engagement components focused on environmental education, forest fire prevention, and awareness on habitat conservation.
Beyond its environmental initiative, the CSE continues to advance sustainability within Sri Lanka’s capital market ecosystem. It is part of the global Sustainable Development Stock Exchange initiative and works closely with GRI South Asia to promote sustainability reporting among listed companies.
In line with evolving regulatory frameworks, the top 100 listed companies by market capitalisation are required to adopt SLFRS S1 and S2 sustainability disclosure standards from the 2025 financial year.
The CSE has also introduced guidance on sustainability communication and expanded frameworks for green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked (GSS+) bonds.
Between 2024 and 2026, listed companies issued 11 such debentures—including green, blue, social, and sustainable bonds—raising over LKR 82 billion, reflecting growing momentum in sustainable finance in Sri Lanka.
PRASL launches new PR Certificate Course with SLPI for aspiring communications professionals
The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka) has partnered with the Sri Lanka Press Institute (Sri Lanka Press Institute) to launch a new “Certificate Course in Public Relations & Corporate Communications,” aimed at strengthening the country’s future communications talent pipeline.
The programme is designed for school leavers, career explorers, and aspiring communicators, offering foundational knowledge in public relations, corporate communications, digital media, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communication.
Unlike traditional academic programmes, the course emphasises practical industry exposure, real-world case studies, and hands-on learning delivered by experienced professionals actively working in Sri Lanka’s communications sector.
A key feature of the initiative is its industry-led faculty model, bringing together 16 practitioners from corporate and agency backgrounds to conduct specialised sessions across the 12-week programme.
The course will be conducted in English to align with industry standards and will commence on 23 June 2026 at the Sri Lanka Press Institute in Colombo 5, with twice-weekly evening classes.
Organisers say the initiative reflects a shared commitment by PRASL and SLPI to strengthen professional development and ensure a steady pipeline of skilled communicators for Sri Lanka’s growing PR and corporate communications industry.
CSE completes second phase of 4,000-tree planting in Rajawaka Forest
