MOU signing between HNB Assurance and Biodiversity Sri Lanka

HNB Assurance PLC extended its partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), in supporting theFederation of Environmental Organizations (FEO Sri Lanka) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) by committing to an additional 15 hectares of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) removal within the Lunugamvehera National Park over the next three years.

This programme, focuses on the removal of Lantana Camara (S. Gandapana) and Eupatorium odoratum (S. Podi SinghoMaran), which have been rapidly spreading and disrupting the native ecosystem across 900 hectares, creating a sustainable livelihood and a sense of ownership for the community around this national park. Further, this initiative is expected to mitigate the human-elephant conflict by restoring vital grazing areas for elephants, which rely on Lunugamvehera as a critical migratory route between Yala and Udawalawa forest reserves.

CEO of HNB Assurance PLC CEO Lasitha Wimalaratne  emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Biodiversity Sri Lanka has shown remarkable results in the past through this project and we are committed to deepening our engagement to amplify the impact we can further create. 

As a company, ‘protection’ is in the core of everything we do, thus, this project serves as an extension to this commitment - fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the wildlife, enabling the surrounding communities to live and let live.”

Senior Advisor at Biodiversity Sri Lanka Shiranee Yasaratne  sharing her thoughts on the extended partnership, opined, “The commitment of HNB Assurance to this cause is truly commendable. Their continued support allows FEO Sri Lankato make significant strides in combating invasive alien species and restoring the natural balance within Lunugamvehera National Park. 

This project not only benefits the environment but also enriches the lives of local communities through employment and education and BSL is a proud facilitator of this support”

The initial year of the project, will see the most labor-intensive phase with the primary removal of IAPS. The following two years will involve maintenance cycles to eliminate new seeds and plants.