CSR  

Litro in beach cleaning endeavour

Litro Gas was the key sponsor for the National Beach Cleaning Programme organized by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment.

Held annually, the programme is initiated islandwide to keep the beaches clean.

It was kickstarted on September 19 across the Western Province and concluded in the Southern Province on September 23 covering Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, Puttalam, Manner, Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticialoa, Ampara, Hambanthota, Matara and Galle.

Shalila Moonesinghe, Executive Chairman, Litro Gas Lanka Ltd said, "We are delighted to partner MEPA to clean the beaches across the island. This is yet another initiative in our Corporate Social Responsibility agenda to contribute to the betterment of the society in a meaningful way. Litro Gas is committed and concerned about the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) of all stake holders and the country."

Some of the beaches are polluted with glass, plastic bags, bottles, coconut shells, torn shoes among many others. The trash not only causes a serious threat to the health of those living near the beaches, as it provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus and other diseases, but also to sea life at sea as they can mistake trash for food.

With Sri Lanka increasingly being seen as a tourist destination, with many visiting for a beach holiday, it's the responsibility of public and private companies and the government to ensure that its litter free.

Regional staff and distributors of Litro Gas are no strangers to such initiatives as they have participated in regional programs held in Puttalam, Jaffna, Trincomalee and Galle districts organized by MEPA.

MEPA prevents, controls and manages marine pollution through effective enforcement of regulations, implementation of concerned International conventions, coordination and mobilization of stakeholder and other resources, and has created sustainable private-public partnerships to achieve its mission of 'a pollution - free marine environment around Sri Lanka for the sustainable national development and the well being of its people and the economy by the year 2020.'

Litro Gas has a reputation for strict implementation of safety standards and is considered as an important cornerstone in its company strategy.