CSR

CSR is doing the right thing, in line with the triple bottom line, namely the three P’s “People, Profit, Planet”. The company has engaged in numerous CSR projects which are also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals; by providing support to nature protection organisations and/or community development (e.g. infrastructure, education, health, sanitation) or other local/national sustainability initiatives. Also activities are carried out by encouraging staff and/or client donations, including in-kind contributions (e.g. volunteering).

Beach cleaning programs – Complies to SDG 6 & 14

The company conducts an annual beach cleaning programme and community development activity with the collaboration of Turyaa, Kalutara which involves cleaning the coastal area of Kalutara and conducting an open forum with educational presentations for the beach community to enhance their livelihoods. Apart from this programme, Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd together with TUI Destination Services organized its own beach cleaning campaign in Ahungalla under the theme “Make Holidays Greener”, as part of TUI Travels PLC’s worldwide series including destinations such as Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and The Maldives where the marine environment was to clean both above and below the water. The goal of the campaign was also to raise awareness among citizens and obtain their corporation in caring for the environment and nature, specifically, the pollution of recreation places such as beaches.

Tree planting campaigns – Complies to SDG 13

Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd organized a tree planting campaign to populate the
buffer zone of a tank (wewa) in Ibbagamuwa, Kurunegala. The tank is an integral part
of the Deduru Oya catchment and had been subject to pollution from rainwater runoff
as a result of deforestation. As a responsible tourism service provider, the company understood the role these watersheds play in sustaining the social and environmental wellbeing in the region and foresaw initiatives to preserve these water sources as an investment for the future.
Subsequently, the company conducted two tree planting campaigns at the Horana
Spiritual Health Center by planting trees like nendun, halmilla, teak, ahala, mahogany,
madam, maila, kohomba and also fruit plants like mango, rambutan, mandarin, orange,
jak, soursop, beli, star-fruit, lemon, guava, pomegranate and nelli which accounts for
more than 400 plants on land, combined. The trees are expected to serve in reversing
the impact of land degradation and provide food, medicine, energy and income, helping communities to achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
This is in addition to the ecosystem services that these trees provide in purifying the
air, nourishing the soil and curbing soil erosion, and helping to stave off effects of the
climate change. The company also carries out a multitude of tours which contribute to our pledge to support local communities in all areas we operate. Through specially designed
itineraries the locals gain from the tourist and the company can incorporate real ecotourism
into its programs by;

  • Working with Suppliers of the community to generate employment
  • Community driven activities – conservation of turtles, flora & fauna etc.

Sports Shoes for Marathon runners – Complies to SDG 3 & 4

ASTL handled a group of 30 marathon runners from Germany who participated in LSR
Colombo Marathon. This was the beginning of a programme to reach out and assist
deserving youth who are into the sport of Marathon running. Identifying a need, ASTL joined hands with the Chief Minister of the Western Province, Hon. Isuru Devapriya’s office. Over 100 youth from the Western Province were identified for a two day residential coaching workshop that covered physical training, motivation, techniques and sportsmanship. ASTL donated 100 pairs of running shoes of top brands including Puma, Nike, Rebook & Adidas to 100 underprivileged marathon athletes ranging from ages 12 to 18. The Ministry of Sports also contributed funds for the Full day Training Programs held on 26th Dec and 27th Dec 2017.

School renovation programme with foreign students – Complies to SDG 4 & 12

In October 2017, with the collaboration of foreign students from Oceanbruch
University, Germany, Aitken Spence Travels conducted a school renovation
programme in Gamunu Maha Vidyalaya, Kotmale. 15 foreign students joined in the
programme and assisted in repairing, painting and in the renovation work of the
school class rooms and common areas.

Beach Cleaning
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Tree Planting
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