Textured Jersey embarks on trailblazing MOU with WNPS

WNPS committee members and the TJ team with President Maithripala Sirisena

Signing the MoU in the presence of President Maithripala Sirisena. WNPS committee members Ravi Deraniyagala, Rohan Wijesinha and Prof. Lakdas Fernando with TJL MD and CEO Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne

Textured Jersey Lanka (TJL), Sri Lanka’s leading sustainability-driven mill, together with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Asia’s pioneering nature conservation movement, entered into a trendsetting five-year MoU which was signed recently at the Presidential Secretariat premises, in the presence of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The President of WNPS said: “We decided to work closely with TJL because we believe that the MoU will further strengthen our initiatives in wildlife and nature conservation and awareness creation through the funding, expertise and involvement of the TJL team.”

TJL CEO/MD Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne said: “At TJL, we take a wider holistic view of sustainability and through our five-year MOU with the society, we also hope to support their great efforts, and align our work while forging new partnerships, towards broader common goals.”

He pointed out that TJL had built its future business strategy with sustainability being one of the five key pillars of operation, adding that TJL also supports some of the world’s leading apparel brands in their journey towards a greener future.

According to WNPS General Secretary Rohan Wijesinha, the WNPS has a long history stretching back to the 1890s. Its primary role now is as a policy advocate and environmental educator. WNPS engages in activities such as school and nature club programs and monthly lectures on nature and wildlife among other activities as well as the publication of the bi-annual Loris magazine. 

TJL also extended its support, under the MOU, to launch the landmark 20th anniversary issue of the Loris magazine, which is an eclectic array of scientific articles, photography and experiences on wildlife and nature. The unique special edition was ceremonially handed over to the WNPS Patron President Maithripala Sirisena just prior to the MOU signing.

The President acknowledged  the initiatives taken by WNPS and said that he, as the main patron of the society, would continue to support WNPS and to encourage all parties to further broaden their  horizon by involving more on the thought process and working collaboratively with the Government on the same.

“Our contribution through many supportive initiatives and a further Rs. 1 million in cash funding as per the MoU, will create an enabling platform for both sides to share our knowledge and expertise of sustainability and further the national work on conservation,” said Rasika Gunawardana, the Deputy Manager of Environmental and Sustainability at TJL.

According to Gunawardana, the company is proud to have produced the first Green House Gas Report in Sri Lanka and in the Sub-region in accordance with ISO 14064-1. He added that the company also produced the Best Green Report in the country for three consecutive years which was recognised at the National Green Reporting System Awards in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

“Textured Jersey has been at the forefront of sustainability activities, and been engaged for several years in the National Awareness programs for Earth Hour and the World Environment Day,” said Gunewardena.