Colombo, May 2021 – Continuing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Nations Trust Bank recently renewed its partnership with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS). The Bank signed an agreement to become the sole sponsor of WNPS’s publications – ‘LORIS’, ‘Warana/Varanam’ biannual magazines and ‘The Jungle Telegraph’ quarterly newsletter in addition to funding the organization’s Monthly Lecture series.
Commenting on Nations Trust Bank’s efforts to strengthen their relationship with WNPS was Priyantha Talwatte, Director/Chief Executive Officer at Nations Trust Bank. “It is truly an honor and privilege for Nations Trust Bank to be able to continue to support WNPS, one of the oldest societies of its kind in the entire world. Nations Trust Bank is committed to deliver sustainable long-term impact and our choice of partnership with WNPS is an investment of ensuring the Sri Lanka’s fauna, flora and biodiversity is protected for the future generations. Through this partnership, the two renowned publications Loris, Warana/Waranam, and the Nations WNPS monthly lecture series will be able to expand its reach and educate our citizens to become more sensitive and better appreciate Sri Lanka’s unique biodiversity. The goal for both organizations is to collectively build an ecological consciousness and create a better world for generations to come.”
Published by the WNPS for the past 85 years, LORIS, Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife and conservation journal includes the latest scientific research and environmental understanding to create awareness on species at risk and current conservation efforts to save the country’s biodiversity. The journal also features anecdotal narratives accompanied by photographs of the flora and fauna.
Warana, the magazine first published in Sinhala in 1976, which later added a Tamil counterpart called Varanam, is the country’s first bilingual magazine on nature. The magazine features research conducted by local university students including insightful articles and information on environmental issues and conflicts.
The Nations WNPS monthly lecture series brings together a lineup of environmental experts to share information on topics ranging from plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing practices to the latest endemic bird to the leopards of Wilpattu National Park. The 60-minute lecture and Q&A session aims to educate and encourage the public to take action in various conservation fronts.
Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, President of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society said, “WNPS would like to express our gratitude towards Nations Trust Bank for constantly advocating for our organization, allowing us to continue shaping the wildlife and nature protection agenda of Sri Lanka. Through collaborations such as this longstanding partnership with Nations Trust Bank, we’re able to conduct scientific research and keep the public informed about the importance of wildlife and nature conservation in this country and protect it from further destruction.”
For years, Nations Trust Bank has implemented multiple environmental initiatives to foster biodiversity research and education, reforestation and species conservation and climate change action. The most recent being the ‘Mihikathata Avurudu’ program, where the Bank will plant a sapling across a one-acre land in the Hiyare Rainforest on behalf of every customer who opened a new Current Account, Savings Account or an Investment Plan with the Bank during the week of Avurudu.
Nations Trust Bank PLC is among the top 15 business establishments in Sri Lanka as ranked by Business Today. Stemming from its vision of “helping people and businesses by providing financial services and information to achieve their goals and aspirations in a sustainable way”, the Bank serves a diverse range of customers across both individual and corporate, with an enviable portfolio of banking and financial products and services. Strongly focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, the Bank is a pioneer in many innovative customer centric banking solutions such as extended banking hours, and FriMi – Sri Lanka’s first digital banking experience. Delivering premium value, service and connecting its Card Members to rewarding experiences and opportunities Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka. The Bank operates 96 branches across the country and has an ATM network covering 127 locations and 48 Cash Deposit & Withdrawal Machines, plus more than 3,700 ATMs on the Lanka Pay Network.