HSBC exhibition for schools in Sinharaja buffer zone

HSBC recently organised and sponsored an exhibition for school children studying in the Sinharaja buffer zone at the Weddagala Maha Vidyalaya in Weddagala. Prior to the exhibition, the students of Weddagala Maha Vidyalaya, Pothupitiya Maha Vidyalaya and Panapola Vidyalaya participated in a yearlong bio-monitoring programme, where they, along with their teachers, were taught the basic techniques of sample collection, and using this information, were taught to track and document changes that occur within the biosphere, the Bank said in a statement.

They were also made aware of the importance of the Sinharaja forest; the rich supply of resources the forest contained, and the manner it must be preserved. As part of this corporate social responsibility initiative, this year HSBC, together with the Sewalanka Foundation, organised an exhibition for the students so they could display what they had learned during the programme.

These high-calibre displays included a display on soil erosion, a water purification unit and a biogas production unit. Other than the eco friendly technologies developed, the exhibition also had many other presentations, of which the highlights were a collection of the various medicinal herbs found in the Sinharaja forest and a replica of an agricultural village.

At the end of the exhibition, Weddagala Maha Vidyalaya and Pothupitiya Maha Vidyalaya were adjudged Winners and Runners up respectively. As a reward for their efforts, HSBC has committed to purchase school equipment based on the individual needs of the schools.

This event is part of a corporate social responsibility initiative of HSBC, where in 2005, the bank undertook a major environmental venture titled the Sinharaja Forest Youth Bio-monitoring Programme. This involved educating schoolchildren about the rapidly diminishing bio resources in Sri Lanka, as well as the long-term impact of globalisation on the natural resources in the country.