Business

Dilmah Beach Caretaker Program: A Success Story in Community-led Coastal Conservation

Published

6 years ago

2021/03/7

Protecting 50 Kilometres of Sri Lankan Coasts while Empowering Livelihoods

The Beach Caretaker programme is a breakthrough local conservation effort that inspires communities to act to protect their environment from coastal pollution while leading to socioeconomic gains. Begun in 2019, under the collaborative direction of Dilmah Conservation and Marine Environment Protection Authority, this year, the programme increases its waste collection coverage to 50 kms of coastal area with the help of 50 beach caretakers. Dilmah said in a news release last week.

“Sri Lanka’s coastline supports an array of precious and fragile ecosystems requiring stronger protection. As a related effort, Dilmah’s Marine Conservation program includes various initiatives that focus on conserving coastal habitats and marine species, eradicating plastic pollution, and empowering coastal communities. What’s more, one of Dilmah’s key marine conservation achievements has been to support the Department of Wildlife in gazetting and changing the conservation status of Kayankerni Reef in the East, as the 18th marine sanctuary in Sri Lanka,” it said.

Dilmah further maintains a successful partnership with the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA). Together they aspire to many conservation objectives and strive to restore the natural balance of sensitive coastal ecosystems in the country.

The Beach Caretaker Program is one such initiative. A community-led continuous coastal cleanup, the program helps conserve threatened and degraded marine ecosystems. While empowering local communities with knowledge and awareness they can pass onto future generations, the initiative also provides caretakers with a reliable source of income. Dilmah has been responsible for protecting 23.1 km of coastline and has, since January 2021, expanded to create a greater positive impact on our oceans and the local community by extending the managed coastal area to 50 km.

Among the many partnerships where Dilmah contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, its collaboration with Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) has been a successful and long-standing one leading to the achievement of many effective conservation objectives. The company has set an example for other corporates and businesses to invest in similar worthwhile programs to secure a better future for us all.

Since the program’s start in October 2019, Dilmah’s Beach Caretakers have collected and sustainably disposed of over six tonnes of coastal waste. The second phase of the Beach Caretaker Program will safeguard 50 km of coastline with the help of 50 beach caretakers, with an approximate 20 tonnes of waste expected to be collected in 2021.

Clean and healthy oceans are vital for the survival of future generations, the planet, and that of our own. Oceans play a fundamental role in balancing ecosystems and water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change at a greater scale.

The Beach Caretaker Program is a powerful illustration of how community-led conservation programs can create a significant positive impact and alter the bleak future of the planet. They also serve as a reminder that every action, no matter how small, can have a rippling effect, the release said.

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

17 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.