From left: Expolanka Holdings PLC Corporate Management team with CEO Hanif Yusoof taking part in the Bulb for Bulb campaign, EFL employees taking part in the campaign and the Expo Freight team carrying out the door-to-door campaign to give away free LED bulbs


Taking another step in its series of engaged environmental sustainability projects, Expolanka and Expo Freight (EFL) conducted a campaign to give away free light-emitting diodes, or LED bulbs to its employees and a 1000 homes in the Orugodawatta area in exchange for incandescent bulbs to celebrate the World Environment Day. In addition, the campaign sought to induce participants to explore other energy saving methods such as harvesting rain water, recycling, other methods of reducing energy consumption, etc.

 Research indicates that in terms of efficiency, durability and environmental feasibility, LED bulbs are superior to incandescent and CFL bulbs. According to data from various sources, LED bulbs use less power (watts) per unit of light generated (lumens) and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and lower electric bills whereas incandescent bulbs consume excess energy and emits more CO2  in comparison to LED bulbs.

“In our experience, awareness and the will to protect our environment is something that can be learnt and cultivated. By simply engaging others in our green practices and educating them, we hope to generate interest in this crucial issue. We have witnessed the positive impact of this approach during our previous efforts and we hope to continue in the same vein,” commented Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and CSR Paddy Weerasekera.

Environmental sustainability is part of Expolanka’s four-pronged corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and the group has been engaged in several projects to promote sustainable environment practices. In 2013, Expolanka partnered with Carbon Consultancy and Rainforest Rescue International (RRI) to establish a biodiversity corridor between remnant disturbed rainforest patches – Singharaja and Kanneliya in the Hiniduma area.

“The campaign was a success and the enthusiasm shown by our employees and the public we approached was inspirational. It is a pleasure to be involved in such a worthy endeavour and witness the positive impact,” said Expofreight Colombo Director/CEO Jagath Pathirane.