LAUGFS Eco Sri Sponsors National Symposium on Air Quality Management
LAUGFS Eco Sri, a pioneer in air quality management, recently co-sponsored the 6th National Symposium on Air Quality Management, which is jointly organized by the Ministry of Mahaweli Development & Environment, Air Resource Management Center and the University of Moratuwa. Held at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, the event was graced by His Excellency MaithripalaSirisena as the Chief Guest, together with many dignitaries including SusilPremajayantha, Minister of Science, Technology and Research and AnuraPriyadarshanaYapa (Minister of Disaster Management).A number of foreign delegates representing donor agencies as well as UN envoys were present as well.
Addressing the gathering, President MaithripalaSirisena most fittingly called for firm decisions to be made towards facilitating environment conservation and protection in creating a sustainable future. The first copy of the action plan for clean air in 2025 was also presented to the President during the event.
A representative of the Vehicle Emission Testing Program addressed the gathering and noted that the progress of the VET project in Sri Lanka, which was initiated in 2008, and the many benefits it has yielded. He cited Sri Lanka’s VET program as one of the best compared to similar initiatives carried out within the region, and further stressed the importance of adopting even more stringent standards in setting a benchmark for the region. The current VET standards adopted in Sri Lanka is equivalent to a Euro 2-3 standard levels and is set to progressively improve, driven by ambitious targets set by the government. He further highlighted the need for continuous development in the program, which is currently operating as a Public-Private Partnership where two companies – LAUGFS Eco Sri and Clean Co Lanka are acting as the authorized Vehicle Emission Testing service providers, operating over 200 test centers island-wide collectively.
Presenting at the symposium, Mrs. Muditha Thebuwana, Head of Business Development of LAUGFS Eco Sri Pvt Limited referred to the many social benefits of the vehicle emission program, including health hazard mitigation and the growing environmental consciousness among the public. She drew attention to various research studies conducted in this area and remarked that a significant correlation has been found between the number of patients arriving for OPD units in Colombo for nebulization, and the readings of particulate matter monitored in the Colombo City. “This is clearly indicative of the fact that many respiratory deceases such as asthma can be reduced through effective indoor and outdoor air quality management” she stated.
Under the theme “Air That We Breathe”, this year’s two-day symposium brought together many eminent experts in varying disciplines of air resource management. It aimed to provide a forum to present and discuss the most recent technological, scientific and policy developments associated with management of air pollution and air resources. The technical sessions over the two day period covered presentations and studies presented in a number of critical topic areas related to air quality management, including Urban and Regional Smog and Visibility Degradation, Policies and Economics of Air Pollution Preliminary Programs and Air pollution Science & Control Technologies.
A representative of Clean Co Lanka referred to research data on the sharp decline of particulate matter and sulfur contents in the air of key cities over the past 8 years, during which the vehicle emission testing has been implemented. He also stressed the many economic benefits of VET to the country and the motorists, who are able to save a minimum 10% on their fuel bills through effective testing and maintenance.
Dr. M. M. S. S. B.Yalegama, Director Planning of Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs who chaired the session pointed out that Sri Lanka’s Vehicle Emission Testing program is an exemplary project within the region and that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model applied in implementing this program over the past 8 years is one of the key success factors contributing to such an outcome. A number of participants from the audience reiterated his sentiments on the effectiveness of practicing a PPP model for operation of the air quality management program.
Eco Sri is an ISO 9002 certified company and is the only ISO 14001 certified emission testing service provider in South Asia. It is one of the two Vehicle Emission Testing (VET) providers in the country, working together with the Department of Motor Traffic. As a pioneer in air quality management, Eco Sri has been in the forefront of creating awareness on air pollution and resulting social, economic and environmental damage.
Calling for more committed public participation and interest in preserving the environment, Mrs. Thebuwana commented, “Vehicle Emission Testing should not be done simply because it is a prerequisite for obtaining the revenue license. We all need to consider it as part of our responsibility to preserving the air quality of our nation. It’s a responsibility we have towards the health and wellbeing of our future generations.”
LAUGFS Eco Sri is a subsidiary of LAUGFS Gas PLC. Through an expansive network of fixed and mobile testing centers located across the country, Eco Sri provides vehicle emission testing services, deploying modern technologybacked by world class standards. In addition to being a driving force behind air quality management in Sri Lanka, Eco Sri has also been instrumental in creating many employment opportunities for youth through its network of testing centers. Currently it employs over 1500 youth with vocational study background for technical jobs across the country.
LAUGFS is one of the largest diversified business conglomerates and a trusted name in Sri Lanka. Founded in 1995, LAUGFS today has expanded across 20 industries, both local and overseas, establishing a strong presence as a leader and pioneer in the power and energy, retail, industrial, services, leisure, logistics and real estate sectors. With over 4,000 employees and an annual turnover exceeding Rs.28 billion, LAUGFS continues to expand and empower millions as a trusted Sri Lankan brand.
