World Environment Day 2016 - ‘Wild for Life’

SriLankan Airlines celebrated its 2016 World Environment day with launching number of significant initiatives aimed to enhance a wide range of efforts at environmental conservation with the theme of ‘Going Wild for Life’.

A special awareness programme under the theme of ‘Zero tolerance for the illegal wildlife trade’, which was also the theme developed by United Nations Environmental Program were conducted by the special guests Mr. Samantha Gunasekara, Retired Deputy Director of Customs and the Dr. Lakshman Peiris, Assistant Director (Research and Training), Department of Wildlife Conservation for the Employees of the airline’s Cargo, Airport Service and Security divisions who participated for the event. the awareness programme especially discussed on matters such as best methods to spot smuggling, current trends in smuggling; which species are on endangered lists; types of animal parts that are often smuggled; and whom to contact and network with in regard to anti-smuggling efforts.

In addition, the sale of colourful lapel pin emblazoned with the words “I’m A Planet Friend” was launched as part of the SriLankan Green Unit’s initiative to raise awareness on this crucial issue, and to raise funds for the SriLankan Green Fund. The first pin was presented to the Chief Guest, Mr. Ramachandran, CCO of SLA by the Convener of Green Team Mr. Pradeepa Kekulawala.

Another important event was the launch of ‘Oasis’, SriLankan Airlines’ first Carbon Footprint Monitoring System, which provides a comprehensive overview of SriLankan Airlines entire carbon footprint and automates much of the manual work that is being carried out by different departments of the airline in the area of conservation. This data will be disseminated as dashboards and reports which will help the management take decisions more realistically and understand the company’s overall situation related to carbon management.