THE 6th JETWING EARTH DAY, AT ST. ANNE’S SHRINE TALAWILA
What does it mean, to be truly sustainable? To be environmentally conscious and responsible? Quite simply, sustainability means the capacity to endure, and to conserve is to protect natural resources and their habitats for the future. Jetwing has always held such measures close to its heart, and has structured processes around such measures rather than the other way around.
Reaffirming its dedication to the environment, Jetwing held their 6th Earth Day at St. Anne’s Shrine Talawila, attended by schoolchildren, teachers, and associates. Long identified as the guardians of the future of this amazing island, the emphasis of the Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme (JEEP) has always been on schoolchildren. With the resident naturalists of Jetwing properties all over the country conducting regular awareness and implementation sessions, JEEP has been immensely successful.
The Jetwing Earth Day 2012 began with Holy Mass, in celebration of the life of Founder Chairman Herbert Cooray, and to invoke blessings on the day’s proceedings. After Holy Mass, the children, teachers, and Jetwing associates conducted a tree planting campaign within the Shrine’s grounds.
With over 20 saplings planted, the teamwork and dedication showed by participants was extraordinary, despite the heat of the mid-day sun. Taking a break to much deserved refreshments, the children and teachers were treated to a presentation on the importance of being eco-friendly; conducted by Environmentalist Hasantha Lokugamage. For images of the Jetwing Earth Day, please visit www.facebook.com/jetwinghotels.
“It’s been 6 years since we started the Programme, and I’m proud to be a patron of such an ambitious initiative”, said Rajeev Sebastian, popular singer and patron of the Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme. “It was a humbling experience, and the enthusiasm shown by the children makes all the effort and hard work worthwhile”, he continued.
“Jetwing has made its commitment to the environment, and identified that education of children was priority if change is to be brought a long time ago. JEEP has evolved, from simple tree planting to offset carbon emission by visitors to Sri Lanka to an overarching, multifaceted programme which places education and knowledge at its core”, said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing. “Moving our reforestation site to St. Anne’s Talawila was a deeply fulfilling decision, as we look towards God’s blessings in the future to continue making this initiative a success”, as he explained the reason behind the site’s choice.
Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 39 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment.
