Softlogic Finance extends its cleaner environment concept to Jaffna

‘Clean Zone’ initiative promoting proper garbage disposal launched at two locations

Softlogic Finance PLC has extended its ‘Clean Zone’ community initiative which is intended to enhance the cleanliness of the environment – by supporting proper disposal of garbage, for the benefit of the residents of the fast-growing Jaffna peninsula.

Coinciding with the opening of its new branch in Chunnakam and the opening of its relocated Jaffna branch, the company deployed its staff members on a large-scale awareness effort to engage with and educate residents of the areas surrounding the two branches of the critical need for proper garbage segregation, disposal and recycling. The initiative was launched ceremonially at the Jaffna and Chunnakam branches by Northern Province Governor, H. M. G. S. Palihakkara and Member of Parliament, E. Saravanapavan respectively, in the presence of company officials, staff and customers.

A 2km roadside extent in total (with 500m to either side of both branches) was thus declared part of the ‘Softlogic Finance Clean Zone’, which via the integration of the entire network of Softlogic Finance branch locations is eventually intended to encompass a 100km roadside extent in total. Softlogic Finance facilitates enhanced cleanliness in the area designated as the Softlogic Finance Clean Zone, via cleaning done at shorter intervals, through means of an agreement with the relevant Municipal authority.

In addition to other awareness efforts conducted by staff, prominent messages were displayed within the branches promoting proper garbage disposal, segregation and recycling. To further promote the concept, separate bins dedicated for the disposal of plastic, bottles and non-recyclable waste were placed in front of the respective branches.

With the addition of Jaffna and Chunnakam branches, the Softlogic Finance Clean Zone has been extended to five locations around the country since its commencement in late March 2015.

“With Jaffna being a fast-growing commercial hub in the area in particular, proper garbage disposal will be increasingly important and thus through the Clean Zone community initiative, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the area residents,” Softlogic Finance CEO, Nalin Wijekoon said. “We are grateful to the enthusiastic efforts of our staff in expanding this programme and to all other stakeholders in this programme – most notably, the officials of the Municipal Councils.”

The Clean Zone programme was initially launched in the Western Province and commenced at Softlogic Finance’s Nawala branch with the presence of Deputy Minister of Policy Planning, Economic Affairs, Child, Youth and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Harsha de Silva – and was extended to Southern and Central Provinces, prior to its launch in the Northern Province.

Softlogic Finance PLC is part of the Softlogic Group that has interests in Healthcare, Retail, Financial Services, ICT, Leisure, Automobiles and Restaurants. The Company is a Registered Finance Company under Finance Business Act No 42 of 2011, as well as a Specialized Leasing Company, licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under the Finance Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000. The principle lines of businesses include Leasing and Hire Purchase, Fixed Deposits and Savings, Personal Loans, Business Loans, Gold Loans and Working Capital Loans.