In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a landmark CSR initiative in collaboration with the non-profit environmental organization, ‘Rainforest Protectors of Sri Lanka’. Themed “Let’s Celebrate 40 Years with 4,000 Trees,” the project aims to reforest four acres of land in Rajawaka, contributing to long-term forest restoration and environmental sustainability.
Through this partnership, the CSE contributes to the ongoing reforestation effort under the WANAROPA program, which is aligned with the global ‘Bonn Challenge’ target of restoring 200,000 hectares of degraded forest land in Sri Lanka. The site is located in the Rajawaka area, on the border of the wet and intermediate zones, a region that hosts diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, including elephants, leopards, natural bee colonies, and other unique ecosystems.
This CSE CSR initiative focuses on the wide-ranging benefits of tree planting. It aims to expand overall forest cover in the region and restore ecosystems, thereby combating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and preventing the loss of millions of species threatened by fire. Beyond ecological gains, the initiative will enhance water security, deliver long-term carbon benefits, and improve soil fertility through increased microorganism activity. Importantly, it also supports the systematic restoration of degraded lands that have been affected by man-made forest fires.
At the community level, the programme will extend benefits including essential education on the importance of conservation, ensuring both present and future generations are engaged in safeguarding the environment.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, stated, “This reforestation project represents an important milestone in our journey of sustainability. As we celebrate 40 years of the Colombo Stock Exchange, we are proud to take tangible steps to protect our environment, support biodiversity, and contribute to the long-term ecological health of Sri Lanka. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to embedding sustainable practices not only within our organization but also in the broader community.”
Mr. Jayantha Wijesingha, Convener & Chief Organiser of Rainforest Protectors of Sri Lanka, said, “We are delighted to partner with the Colombo Stock Exchange on this strategic restoration initiative. Unlike conventional tree-planting projects, this is a systematic, long-term program focused on restoring degraded hills that have been repeatedly affected by forest fires for decades. Together, we are working to rebuild a thriving ecosystem that will support wildlife, empower local communities, and safeguard the environment for future generations.”
This initiative reflects the CSE’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices at both organizational and market-wide levels. In line with this vision, the CSE has joined the global Sustainable Stock Exchange initiative and has been working closely with GRI South Asia to advance sustainability reporting among listed companies. The CSE has introduced a Guide on Communicating Sustainability for listed entities, established a listing framework for Sustainable Bonds, and is in the process of launching ESG index in future. Demonstrating its own leadership in disclosure, the CSE has published its Annual Report in accordance with the Integrated Reporting Framework for the past seven years and decided to voluntarily adopt the newly introduced Sri Lanka Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SLFRS) S1 & S2.
