Switch-Asia takes Greening Sri Lanka Project to Southern Region

The second awareness seminar of the Switch-Asia Project was held in Wadduwa recently at Blue Water Hotel with the participation of hoteliers in the Southern region.

Fifty four hoteliers and their engineers representing 35 hotels took part despite their busy schedules and were very enthusiastic about the deliverables offered by the project.

At the seminar, THASL Regional President Roshan Perera, delivered the welcome speech followed by a presentation by Project Director CCC Solutions Srilal Miththapala who outlined details of the project and the benefits which could be gained through energy, water and waste management practices.

Water, Energy and Waste Officer, Travel Foundation UK, Ms. Claire Chambers spoke of Travel Foundation's role in promoting Green Hotels in the European market and how Sri Lankan hotels that participate in the program will reap benefits due to the exposure in UK and European Markets.

She also listed the supporters, partners and benefactors of the Travel Foundation, which included all major tour operators who work with Sri Lankan hotels currently.

Industrial Technical Services Manager, Suranga Karavita made a presentation on the Importance of Energy Conservation while Senior Environmental Specialist Prof. Niranjanie Ratnayake spoke of the Importance of Environmental Management and Water Conservation.

The Switch-Asia Project funded by the European Commission aims to enhance the environmental performance of small and medium scale hotels in Sri Lanka.

The Project will assist key beneficiaries in water, energy and waste management efficiencies and operational cost reductions to increase market acceptance of these players by promoting them as Green Hotels with a Low Carbon Footprint.

The Project is being implemented by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce with the participation of its partners, Responsible Tourism Partnership (RTP), Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), Institute of Environmental Professionals of Sri Lanka (IEPSL) and The Travel Foundation of United Kingdom.