Puritas, the environmental engineering arm of Haycarb PLC, reaffirmed its commitment to conserving endangered sea turtles through its long-standing ‘Behold the Turtle’ project. Launched in December 2020, the project is a collaborative effort with the Department of Wildlife Conservation focused on establishing and maintaining a turtle hatchery in Kirigalbe Beach situated within the Kumana National Park. The project, driven by dedicated volunteers from Puritas, ensures the protection and conservation of a 12 km stretch with regular patrols, the collection of eggs and the maintenance of detailed records of each process.

“On this World Volunteerism Day, we proudly commemorate the third anniversary of our ‘Behold the Turtle’ project. At Puritas, our commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond occasional projects as we strive for sustainable initiatives that create a lasting impact and foster positive change. This initiative, wholly driven by our dedicated volunteers, exemplifies this commitment as we work hand-in-hand to preserve our natural heritage and inspire a future where environmental well-being is paramount,” Haycarb Managing Director Rajitha Kariyawasan said.

Harsh conditions mark the dedication of the Puritas team to this meaningful cause. Employees leave for the hatchery from Monday to Saturday during their project excursions, twice a month for six months, to meticulously track sea turtle activities, locate nests, document vital parameters, and carefully transport collected eggs to the hatchery.

In addition to the relocation and preserving of the eggs, the initiative encompasses essential tasks such as cleaning the hatchery area, applying medicine to turtles in need, and supporting the analysis of necropsies on deceased nestlings and beached carcasses.

Sri Lanka, home to five out of seven sea turtle species globally, holds sea turtle conservation close to its heart. The initiative by Puritas aligns seamlessly with conservation efforts for endangered species like the Green Turtle, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Leather-Back, which grace the Southern and Eastern coastal belts of Sri Lanka. Sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine habitats, with at least three of the seven species classified as critically endangered.