As part of its unceasing commitment to holistic sustainability, the award-winning Asia Plantation Capital recently lent a hand in support of communities in Sri Lanka.
‘Holistic sustainability’ – an ethos that Asia Plantation Capital subscribes to wholeheartedly – encompasses working closely with and supporting the local communities in and around which the company operates, by providing investment as well as social and cultural support.
One of the communities benefiting from Asia Plantation Capital’s involvement is the Kathiran Kattu Estate – a plantation situated in rural Sri Lanka. It recently held its annual blood donation drive in celebration of one of its plantation’s fifth anniversaries, and following on from the success of last year, Asia Plantation Capital was delighted to be able to give something back to society by helping the community help itself.
The blood donation drive was held at the Sri Bodhimalu Temple Hall, Puttalam, on the morning of the 11th of October 2015, and was held jointly with the Puttalam General Hospital medical team. After meticulous planning and checks on donor suitability, the drive proceeded with the donation of a pint of blood from each donor. The turnout for the drive reached a record high, and it was particularly gratifying to note that members of the Sri Lankan police force were among the many donors.
With Buddhism being the religion practised by a majority of Sri Lankans, blood donation is a significant cultural and religious act, having, at its charitable heart, the precept of giving something without expecting anything in return. Sri Lanka was the global host for World Blood Donor Day in 2014, an event that drew thousands to the country’s capital, and was acknowledged to be South Asia’s biggest blood drive.
On a separate occasion, Mr Barry Rawlinson, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Plantation Capital, was at the Morapathawa Primary School, Sri Lanka, to hand out useful materials for school – such as stationery, bags and water bottles – to underprivileged students, giving them the necessary equipment with which to further their studies and creating a more conducive environment for learning. The gifts were donated by Asia Plantation Capital and some of its generous clients and staff.
“In developing countries such as Sri Lanka,” said Rawlinson, “it is easy to simply make provisions in monetary terms. At Asia Plantation Capital, we believe that we can all do our part in contributing to society by investing in the community. Holistic sustainability in Asia Plantation Capital embodies equal care and encouragement given to all members of staff; from top management all the way through to plantation workers and their families.”
“Most of the students at this school,” he added, “are living below the poverty line, and in order to create a lasting impact on the sustainability of society, the health and wellbeing of the local population and its future generations is essential and needs to be addressed. I believe that handing gifts to the children personally goes a very long way. On behalf of the company, I would like to thank all our donors and staff for their kind donations and their tireless efforts in organising the event.”
“It is always a pleasure to be able to help out,” said Mr Satianathan, a valued Asia Plantation Capital client, and former school principal in Singapore. “A smile from these children is priceless, and a small gift to them is of significance when it comes to improving their livelihoods. I am very proud to be a client of Asia Plantation Capital – not many companies actually practise sustainability to the core – and I am extremely glad to be able to be a part of this event.” Last year, Mr Satianathan also provided teaching materials to help children when approaching their school syllabuses.
The level of poverty in Sri Lanka is decreasing, but remains an issue. Asia Plantation Capital has been supporting schools and their students for the past six years, and has pledged to continue its support in the years ahead, with plans to supply new bicycles, computers and other essential educational supplies into 2016 and beyond. The company is carrying through its commitment to providing investment and infrastructure projects in all the communities in and around which it operates.
Officially established in 2008 (although operating privately since 2002), Asia Plantation Capital has more than 2,000 members of staff worldwide, in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Laos, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, North America and Europe. To date, Asia Plantation Capital has 126 plantations and projects worldwide – with plantations predominantly in Sri Lanka and Thailand – which is home to the endangered and highly valued Aquilaria trees.
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