LB Finance provides forest ranger jackets to wildlife officers

Continuing the company’s environmental CSR services, LB Finance gifted protective forest ranger jackets to officers of wildlife, health management divisions, in Nilagala, Mullegama, Walathapitya, Samanthure, Namal Oya areas in Ampara and Anuradhapura districts. 

The initiative is a continuation of the project that provided protective jackets to wildlife officers in Horton Plains National Park.

Commenting on the project, LB Finance Business Development Process National Manager Sameera Wanninayake said: “Similar to our objective during the project in Horton Plains, we wanted the wildlife officers in these areas to be able to differentiate themselves from civilians so as to carry out their duties with rightful authority. From previous experience, we are aware of the challenges wildlife officers face when trying to communicate necessary guidelines and restrictions to civilians who sometimes mistakenly assume that the advice is coming from civilians like themselves and refuse to adhere to those.” Since the inception of the project, LB Finance has donated over 400 protective jackets to wildlife officers islandwide from national parks such as Yala, Wasgamuwa, Ritigala, Haggala and Horagolla.

Wildlife Officer Kithsiri Mevan expressed his gratitude towards LB Finance stating: “On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I am grateful to LB Finance for this thoughtful and observant initiative. The protective jackets enable us to carry out our duties as wildlife officers with much ease and confidence.

Civilians tend to listen to us more if we are wearing the forest ranger jacket which distinguishes us from others. It is imperative that visitors to wild animal habitats follow the instructions given by wildlife officers not only to guarantee their safety but also to protect the animals and their habitat.”
LB Finance conducts a plethora of CSR programmes that aim to enhance the socio-cultural wellbeing of all Sri Lankans. The company’s CSR initiatives span across a wide spectrum of economic, social and environmental issues.