Haycarb PLC, a global leader in the manufacture of activated carbon, has embarked on an ambitious coconut tree planting initiative in partnership with the Coconut Development Authority and the Coconut Cultivation Board.
Haycarb aims to plant 100,000 coconut trees in the Northern regions, including Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Jaffna. This initiative is a vital part of a broader national endeavour to set up a second coconut triangle.
The commencement of Phase One took place in Iyakachchi, Jaffna, with the distribution of 25,000 coconut seedlings.
Haycarb, Deputy Managing Director, Brahman Balaratnarajah (right) presents a sapling to a coconut grower.
Governor of the Northern Province, Mrs. P.S.M. Charles, Chairperson of the Coconut Cultivation Board, Dr. Madhavi Herath, Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority, Prof. Roshan Perera, Managing Director of Haycarb, Rajitha Kariyawasan and the Haycarb PLC Board of Directors were present.
The remaining 75,000 trees are to be planted by the end of next year.
Concurrently, Haycarb is expanding its pioneering ‘Haritha Angara’ green charcoaling initiative with the installation of 30 more pits in 2023/24, bringing the total to 473 pits islandwide and plans to expand the total to over 500 pits by 2025.
Haycarb PLC Managing Director, Rajitha Kariyawasan said, “In the five decades of our legacy, Haycarb has worked extensively in developing and manufacturing premium quality coconut shell based activated carbons to suit a wide range of application segments globally, that include water and air purification, gold extraction and many other speciality applications.
“Our recent technological drive to develop activated carbons for the Energy Storage segment encompassing mobile and stationary power and energy applications stand out as a key innovative drive, embracing sustainability principles as a core value in the company progression,” he said.
“Moving forward, we see a great growth potential in the activated carbon market, for which we require a much greater supply of coconut charcoal. We are pleased to join hands with the Coconut Development Authority and the Coconut Cultivation Board toengage in this sustainable coconut farming project.
“This will support the demand for coconut shells in the country while reducing dependence on imported charcoal and channel direct financial support into livelihood development for approximately 300 farmers, creating over 1,000 indirect jobs,” he said.
Launched in 2014 with the aim of introducing eco-friendly charcoaling practices to local suppliers, the “Haritha Angara” initiative encourages local suppliers to convert their traditional open pit charcoaling sites to environment-friendly closed pits using technology, training and expertise developed by the Haycarb team. This in turn eliminates the release of harmful gaseous emissions such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Methane and smoke to the environment.
“With the continuing expansion of Haritha Angara and our green charcoaling technology, we have sought to include families at the grassroots of the Sri Lankan economy into our sustainable value chains, connecting them to customers around the world. We aim to ensure 100% eco-friendly supply on all of our raw materials by 2025,” Kariyawasan said.
