Elder's Cultural Show-Shannon Estate

“Everyone has talent. What's rare is the courage to follow it to the dark places where it leads.” 

Art is a skill and it doesn't have an age limit. As a result of that we encourage our elderly people to show their talents even though they are in retirement. In keeping in this line of thought, Shannon Estate organized an Elder's cultural show in collaboration with Berendina Development in order to appreciate the talents of our elderly associates. This was done on the 28^th September 2013.The members of the Elder's Club participated in several items covering such areas as traditional and non-traditional dancing items and singing too. It was a colorful night filled with joy,talents and camaraderie. There were 100 participants and the Estate Management gave them the fullest support to make this event successful. 

 

Shramadana Campaign in Ouvahkelle

Ouvahkelle Estate organized a ‘shramadana’ during 13th and 14th September 2013 with the collaboration of World Vision Lanka. It was an event that connected their 1350 Associates towards a single aim - educating them in keeping their surroundings clean and tidy. The Associates cleaned their living areas, roads and approach foot paths during the campaign. After the ‘shramadana’ they were rewarded not only with healthier surroundings but also with nutritional food packs that were distributed.

Scholarship Programme

In the good old days, education was not a part of the plantation culture and it was not technically necessary in the early years. But after the rapid change over the past few years, the younger generation is seen open to education even though the resources are very limited due to the geographical location of the estates. Taking cognizance of this, we saw it our responsibility to cater to their educational needs by improving the quality of education and training and thereby create for them an enabling environment to improve the quality of their livelihood.

This we do consistently whilst continuing with our existing scholarship programme for GCE (A/L) and Undergraduate studies. Accordingly, we did initiate a payment of Rs.2500/- per child per month to estate Managers and Assistant Managers who have children attending schools in order to offset part of their expenses, whilst to the other categories of minor staff we pay Rs.5000/- per child to buy the school books, bags, uniforms, shoes etc. per annum. This has since been increased for the year current.

	No of Students	Amount Spent for the year
Advanced Level	15	360,000,00
Under Graduate Studies	44 (All students in 1st year to final year)	18000 per year for each student who continue with their higher studies.

"Respect your elders.They need your Care.It's about time the world was set aright."

  

October 1^st was International Elders Day. We place great importance in respecting our Elders and acknowledging the contributions they have made to Society and Economy. Their directions and advises still guide our lives. Therefore as a plantations company we give back to those who have retired from service on our plantations due regard and attention. In doing so we have formed Elders Clubs on most of our estates as a place where the elderly people can come, meet others of their vintage and relax.

We have carried out several events for elders within the year. We organized Elders Sports Meets, organized trips to the Dalada Maligawa, Galle Face Colombo, the Ratmalana Airport and other places which they have not been to before. They were great opportunities for them to visit those places. A part from that, we organize different activities such as Birthday celebrations, Vesak, New Year festivities and Christmas for them to enjoy and look forward to in the coming years.  Our care towards the elders is not limited only for 1^st of October but is a constant effort throughout the year.

Blood Donation at Strathdon Estate

                           "The finest gesture one can make is to save life by donating Blood."

                       

                                    Blood Donation is a service to humankind, by donating blood we can help one in need and save a precious life. Transfusion of blood saves millions of lives all over the world. We are a corporate citizen with concerns about the well-being of society. With this in mind, Strathdon estate organized a Blood Donation Campaign as a corporate social responsibility project. It was a successful community project with many citizens participating.

                                                                           

Awareness programme about Hygiene Education and Hygienic pack issue

                                              

Watawala Plantations PLC is a company that is concerned about her Associates health and well-being. In keeping with these concerns, Lippakelle Estate organized the issue of ‘Hygienic Packs’ and conducted an Educational programme on hygiene through the collaboration of World Vision. This programme served to build awareness on the importance of waste management and to securing the environment for the future generations. This Hygienic pack included items such as a dustbin with cover, slippers, Nail cutter, Toilet Brush and Mirror. The purpose of this distribution was to improve the hygiene of our Associates by their use and to improve the waste management process.

Due to poor hygiene and lack of sanitation colossal financial losses are suffered through medical expenses on diseases that could be prevented very easily. The programme imparted knowledge in improving their quality of life and well-being. Specifically, the focus was on improving access to safe drinking water and guaranteeing access to hygienic sanitation facilities. In addition to that, good hygiene leads to a reduction in water-borne diseases and ultimately a reduction in the cost of maintaining good health - let aside its other cosmetic effects. 

                                          

                                          

Religious Ceremony at Head Office

The annual Bana and Dhana Program was organized for the 3rd successive year at Watawala Plantations Head office on the 3rd August 2013 in thanksgiving and to invoke blessings for the company and all of its Associates.

The Dhamma Desana was delivered by ven.Padalangala Dhammadeva Thero,amd followed by an alms giving for 10 Buddhist monks from the Gangaramaya temple.

The Founder Chairman Mr.G.Sathasivam,Mr.Bhandula Hulangamuwa,Mr.Visal Wickramarathna,Mr.Sidath Perera,Senior management Members of the companies together with a large number of employees devotedly participated and also contributed generously in cash and kind to make this a successful event.