WILAT Sri Lanka Walk for a Greener Tomorrow

WiLAT Chair handing over a plant to SAGT Erwin Haas

Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), the women’s forum of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) organised a walk on Saturday 24 September under the theme ‘Striking a Balance for a Greener Tomorrow’ for the second successive year with the objective of reducing the carbon footprint in the industries they operate and to promote and encourage green practises in one’s personal lives to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.  

Last year too, WiLAT Sri Lanka organised their inaugural walk under the theme ‘Striking a Balance in Logistics and Transport,’ with the primary objective of creating awareness and promoting gender diversity in logistics and transport which is perceived to be male dominant.

WiLAT having partnered with Earth Hour Sri Lanka in March 2016 invited the Earth Hour Sri Lanka team to join hands for this initiative. Earth Hour, as WWF’s mass engagement platform, inspires and mobilizes people around the world to use their power to change climate change and cultivate preeminent practices to reduce out carbon footprint in our day to day activities. 

From promoting climate awareness and garnering support for critical WWF conservation projects to driving legislative changes, Earth Hour harnesses the power of the crowd to make real change. Uniting millions around the world for a greener tomorrow, Earth Hour is testament to our power to protect our planet.

The 5km walk commenced at the Independence square with a very colourful inauguration led by the WiLAT Sri Lanka Chairperson Gayani de Alwis together with her Executive Committee. Gayani welcomed all the participants and shared key points on WiLAT’s vision, mission and goals and also how each and every one could work towards a greener tomorrow. 

The walk was then followed by a brief introduction on the much awaited float competition where the CINEC Maritime Campus, Moratuwa University  and Kotelawala Defence University students actively participated by making props and models to convey a message depicting the logistics and transport sector as a whole. The props were made from eco-friendly material to live up to the concept. The crowd gathered at the Open Air Theatre at the Viharamahadevi Park. 

Moratuwa University emerged as champions at the float competition and the runners up were Kothalawela Defence University. The winners were awarded with gift vouchers by the respected judging panel. Chief of judging panel Romesh David, International Vice President, commended the participants for their efforts for a greener tomorrow. 

WiLAT ExCo also gave out prizes for the best decorated bicycle which was won by Expolanka Freight (EFL). To add to all the excitement and glamour the participants were entertained with traditional papare music during the walk. Judging by the active participation of over 500 participants from multiple universities, corporates and other associations which also promote and empower women, it is with no doubt that the walk was a resounding success. The participants were treated with refreshments. 

Another notable feature during the walk was Expo Lanka Freight popularly known as EFL joined hands with CILT as the Exclusive Strategic Partner for WiLAT with a cash donation of Rs. 1 million to support the future endeavours of the institution for the second year running.

Inter Coir generously sponsored plants and eco-friendly ornaments which was distributed to the judges and special invitees. Young Shipping Professionals (YSP) of CASA also participated at the walk and their President presented a plant to WiLAT Chairperson to symbolise the occasion at the concluding ceremony.

In conclusion of the Walk, Chairperson Gayani de Alwis stressed the importance of the theme of the walk and she also stated that WiLAT’s collaboration with Earth Hour Sri Lanka will no doubt help to promote green logistics and a sustainable lifestyle across CILT membership. The walk was concluded by WiLAT Chairperson thanking WiLAT Walk Project leader Gayathri Karunanayake, all supporters, participants, the generous sponsors and the ExCo for making the second consecutive WiLAT walk a remarkable event.