Business
Health initiatives targeting RPC estate community gain momentum in 2021
Cooperation among key stakeholders significantly strengthened health initiatives covering communities in estates managed by the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) in 2021, helping minimise the pandemic’s adverse impact on the plantation community.
The Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) and the other constituent members of the PHDT – a tripartite organisation comprised of RPCs, Estate Trade Unions and the Government – worked hand-in-hand with the health authorities, to reduce the spread of the pandemic in RPC estates.
The vaccination drive and other measures to reduce the spread of the pandemic were given priority during the year. Progress was also achieved in long-term initiatives focused on the health and wellbeing of the plantation community, which are now being further amplified in 2022.
“Despite initial fears that the pandemic would spread rapidly among the estate community, its impact was minimised through proactive action and close collaboration among key stakeholders,” said Bhathiya Bulumulla, Chairman of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon – which represents the RPCs. “We thank the PHDT, health authorities and other Government bodies who assisted the RPCs in ensuring the wellbeing of the estate community, during this challenging period.”
Reflecting the success of the vaccination drive in RPC estates, at present, 60% of over 30 years residents have received two doses and a booster, while 97% have received at least both doses.
Complementing these efforts, a number of medications were also provided free-of-charge to the estate community, including 13 newly approved medications totalling 38 in 2021. These additional medicines, were provided by the State for treatment of ailments such as scabies, wasp & insect bites, allergies, worm infestation, anaemia, gastrointestinal diseases, wound dressing and short-term treatment of Diabetes and Hypertension etc.
The PHDT is also in the process of assisting in the smooth transfer of 59 estate hospitals to the Ministry of Health, as part of an ongoing process first commenced in 2021. Most recently, the PHDT also commenced its The ‘community kitchens’ programme, which seeks to enhance healthy dietary practices in estates, by both providing nutritious meals while raising awareness, was also expanded during the year.
Beyond health-focused initiatives, the PHDT completed 23 new child development centres (CDCs) during the year, while also commencing construction on 750 houses within RPC estates. Water supply and sanitation projects were also expanded during the year, benefiting approximately 4,000 estate residents families.
The RPCs and the PHDT intend to maintain and improve the momentum of these health initiatives during 2022. Accordingly, the PHDT will recommence health screening programmes across the estate areas in the country and community development and empowerment programmes to improve nutrition and wellbeing among mothers and children.
The PHDT also plans to construct 35 new child development centres within this year, bringing the total within RPC estate areas to 1,250 while 21 CDCs will also be renovated. In addition, 240 parental awareness programmes on psychosocial development of children will be carried out by the PHDT. The diploma-level training programme for 100 CDC officers will also be continued in 2022.
“It is noteworthy that the PHDT and other stakeholders were able to strengthen our long-term initiatives aimed at further improving the lives of RPC estate residents, while also successfully implementing short-term pandemic prevention measures,” said Lal Perera, the Director General of PHDT. “We will continue to ramp up these programmes during 2022, with the assistance of our partners.”
The PHDT is a tripartite organisation comprising the RPCs, Estate Trade Unions and the Government, established to enhance the quality of life of the plantation community. Since its establishment in 1992, the PHDT has facilitated the establishment of 15 water supply mega projects benefiting safe water and sanitation to 3,000 households while overseeing the construction of 50 km of estate roads. The PHDT has also been instrumental in the construction of 104 child development centres, re-roofing and repairing of 58,477 existing houses and the construction of 38,296 new housing units for estate sector communities.
By Ifham Nizam
As Sri Lanka gears up for a transformative shift in its energy sector, the Results Delivery Framework (RDF) 2025-26 lays out a strategic roadmap toward a cleaner, more sustainable and people-centric energy future.
Eng. Pubudu Niroshan Hedigallage, Director General, Power Sector Reforms Secretariat and a member of the Energy Committee, emphasizes the critical role of public awareness and global integration in achieving these ambitious goals.
“The success of our energy transition depends on people being on the same page, says Hedigallage. “We need a unified approach where policies align with public interest, ensuring energy security while reducing our carbon footprint.”
The RDF focuses on three main pillars:
Affordable and Secure, Cleaner Energy Supply
Smart and Sensible, People-Centric Energy
Strategic Global Integration in the Energy Sector
To achieve energy security and affordability, Sri Lanka is set to establish a National Energy Policy & Planning Office (NEPPO) in the first half of 2025. This office will serve as the central body for policy formulation and planning, ensuring a structured approach to clean energy adoption.
A key initiative is the “Rivi Bala Punarudaya” solar program, aiming to add 2,000 MW of solar energy within five years. “Solar power is one of the most viable solutions for Sri Lanka. It’s time to accelerate large-scale adoption, Hedigallage asserts.
Additionally, the government plans to begin competitive procurement for 1,000 MW of wind energy along the Puttalam-Jaffna coastal belt by mid-2025.
Hedigallage stresses the importance of policy reforms to align industrial and regulatory frameworks. “Introducing the Energy Transition Act in late 2025 will harmonize all sector-related laws, ensuring smoother implementation of new initiatives, he explains.
Other people-centric initiatives include:
Amendments to the Electricity Act to facilitate restructuring within the energy sector.
A Demand Response Program, developed with the Ministry of Digital Economy, to optimize energy consumption.
A techno-commercial collaboration program connecting universities, industries and utilities to drive innovation.
The Women-in-Energy National Program, launching in late 2025, to increase female participation in the sector.
Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, the RDF aims to position Sri Lanka as a key player in the global energy market.
A state agency for green hydrogen initiatives will be established in late 2025 to explore hydrogen as an alternative energy source.
By early 2026, a digital risk management dashboard will be launched to monitor reservoir levels, fuel inventories, and energy demand in real time.
The Green Energy Certification Unit, to be established in 2026, will authenticate renewable energy usage with Renewable Energy Certificates (REC).
ESG (Environment, Sustainability, and Governance) frameworks will be introduced to ensure sustainable energy sector practices.
A global energy forum will be launched in 2026 to connect Sri Lanka to international energy value chains.
With these ambitious plans, Sri Lanka is set to become a leader in clean energy in the region. “Our energy future is not just about technology and infrastructure; it’s about people, policy, and partnerships, Hedigallage added.
Mintpay, a pioneering financial app reshaping how people pay in Sri Lanka, has announced a landmark partnership with Softlogic Restaurants. This collaboration aims to enhance the dining experience for food enthusiasts by offering convenient, secure, and flexible payment options. Softlogic Restaurants, renowned for its portfolio of beloved brands such as Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Crystal Jade, Delifrance, and Baskin Robbins, will now enable customers to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines through Mintpay’s seamless digital payment solution.
Mintpay Account Manager Sasra Wickrama Arachchi stated, “At Mintpay, we aim to transform every payment into a rewarding moment, and we believe this partnership with Softlogic Restaurants delivers on that promise, making every meal more rewarding.”
Mintpay Senior Business Development Executive Faziha Farhan added, “At Mintpay, we’re always expanding our network by partnering with brands that share our vision for seamless and rewarding payments. We’re excited to welcome Burger King, the first global QSR brand in Sri Lanka to integrate Mintpay, alongside other renowned Softlogic restaurants. This partnership marks another step in transforming the dining experience for all our customers, offering greater flexibility and convenience whenever they use Mintpay.”
Business
Haleon partners Sri Lanka Dental Association as Official Sponsor for World Oral Health Day 2025
Haleon Sri Lanka formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare; the first multinational pharmaceutical manufacturing organization in Sri Lanka, which commenced manufacturing in 1956 with the flagship brands Panadol, Iodex Eno etc., signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) as the official sponsor of World Oral Health Day 2025 in Sri Lanka. The formal signing ceremony took take place on Friday, February 28, 2025. The global theme for this year is “A happy mouth is … a happy mind” which emphasises the importance of oral health on quality of life and wellbeing.
The partnership between SLDA and Haleon; Marketers of Sensodyne aims to transform the conventional methods of celebrating World Oral Health Day. The landmark agreement reimagines World Oral Health Day with an awareness-driven approach themed “#BeSensitiveToOralHealth: Take the first step.” The month-long March campaign will educate Sri Lankans about proactive oral healthcare through strategic messaging across traditional and digital platforms, encouraging everyone to prioritize their oral health. The collaboration represents a significant commitment to improving oral health awareness and access to dental care across Sri Lanka.
Haleon and SLDA will work together to extend awareness that results in tangible healthcare benefits nationwide. Free dental screening facilities will be provided across the island, benefiting approximately 50,000 Sri Lankans.
Beginning March 20th, World Oral Health Day, will take place as a national event at Galle Face, Colombo will serve as the campaign centrepiece, offering free dental screenings, oral cancer assessments, and teeth sensitivity tests to increase public understanding of good oral health practices. All SLDA members will actively participate in this nationwide health initiative making quality dental care accessible to communities throughout the country.
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