Pan Asia Bank held a tree planting ceremony at the north side of the Jethavanaramaya Stupa in Anurudhapura, the sacred historical temple, in commemoration of its 25th anniversary. The program was initiated under Pan Asia Bank’s Green Initiative, the Haritha Sammana project.
Thousands of Buddhist devotees and tourists annually visit eight sacred places in Anuradhapura, and Jethawanaramaya is one of the main holy destinations. Due to the dry climate which prevails in Anuradhapura district, most devotees and tourists suffer in the intense heat. As a little step to green the area, Pan Asia Bank has come up with this worthy initiative as its Corporate Social Responsibility to the society as the ‘Truly Sri Lankan Bank’.
The Director and CEO of Pan Asia Bank, Nimal Tillekeratne led the proceedings by planting the first sapling while Ven. Ihala Halmillewe Rathanapala Thera, Chief Incumbent at Jethavanaramaya and Chief Guest on the occasion planted the second sapling to inaugurate the notable initiative to enhance greenery.
At the ceremony, Pan Asia Bank planted and offered 100 medicinal trees with cages to the bhikkhus, with the aim of reaching another 500 medicinal trees with cover cages across the country.
Sri Lanka’s forest cover needs to be restored and as the truly Sri Lankan Bank, Pan Asia Bank is making a significant contribution while also receiving accolades for its green lending efforts – a testimonial to its stature as a truly Sri Lankan bank.