Chief Advisor

Mr.Chathura Welivitiya

Editors
Nadeesha Dilhani / Hirushi Perera

Photographs By
Ayoma Thennakoon / Sampath Athukorala Janaka Chandrajith

Protect Sri Lanka from Climate Change

On 8th of November 2013, the very first meeting of National

Forum on Climate Change (NFCC) was successfully held at United Nations conference hall at 10.00 a.m.in order to mitigate climate changes in Sri Lanka before it is too late. The NFCC was born on that day. About thirty five participants were present for this memorable

ENVIROMENT

meeting. All of them are environmentalists who contribute their services in many ways to protect our motherland from the harmful climate change. Because of the incomparable service of HELP-O to avoid the climate changes in Sri Lanka, Mr. Chathura Welivitiya, the Chairman/Chief Executive of HELP-O got an opportunity to participate at this event. The meeting brought out new ideas from the participants as to how climate changes in Sri Lanka could be mitigated. Participants working in various sectors contributed their ideas and all such opinion was discussed by the participants. Many problems faced due to climate change was discussed and solutions found by the contributions and opinion expressed by the participants. Mr. Chathura Welivitiya proposed to the NFCC the cluster system to achieve success and he explained to the participants about the importance of clustering. After retur ning from South Korea after participating at the CITYNET Seoul Congress, Mr, Chathura Welivitiya shared his experiences with the other participants. The participants were pleased to hear his opinion as they could use them at the forum. Finally the participants proposed that there should be a committee for the NFCC to function efficiently in their future activities and Mr. Chathura Welivitiya, the Chairman/ Chief Executive of HELP-O, was selected primo loco by the participants. As this meeting helped each other to share their experiences and problems with each other, they decided to gather once again as soon as possible. After a successful day, all the participants left with great expectations to gather again and to continue finding solutions for climate change mitigation in Sri Lanka.

HELP-O with Pan Asia Bank

Presently, human beings are facing many problems because of the effects of climate change. To overcome this, the use of bio gas as a sustainable solution has been addressed as there are numerous environmental benefits that could accrue, like: Non-fossil fuel with a high methane content that does not compound the greenhouse effect Biogas produces 80 per cent less hydrocarbon emissions in comparison with diesel Biogas is a renewable energy source Produces enriched organic manure, which can supplement or even replace chemical fertilizers Leads to improvement in the environment, and sanitation and hygiene

ECO GREEN

To achieve these benefits, Pan Asia Bank has agreed to be a partner with HELP-O. On the 13th of November 2013, HELP-O had a meeting with the management of Pan Asia Bank. The purpose of this meeting was to forge an agreement with bank where the Bank will disburse bank loans for people who would like to install bio gas plants in their homes. The criterion for this bank loan is that it should be used only to install bio gas plants. Ten members from the bank participated at this meeting which was held at the premises of HELP-O head office. After the meeting, the bank members visited five sites where we have installed bio gas plants including Sambodhi Childrens Home, Buddhist Centre, two domestic bio gas plants and Samantha hotel. All bio gas plants were in a good condition as they are using bio gas for cooking without any problem. The users said that they can save much money because of bio gas as their cost for purchasing LP gas is saved. The bio gas production was very high at each of these locations. Therefore, the bank members were highly impressed about our work and agreed to work with us without any doubt.

ey were well satisfied with our work and leave Galle with the hope of giving loans to our

clients to

Environment Friendly Program with Natures Beauty Creations Limited

ECO GREEN

Natures Beauty Creations Ltd is the largest and leading manufacturer of herbal cosmetics in Sri Lanka. Create a global brand of herbal cosmetic from Sri Lanka by 2010 is their vision. Natures Beauty Creations is at the forefront of the herbal cosmetics industry in Sri Lanka. They export many products to many countries. There are about 250 workers and their daily food waste collection is high. They dont have proper way to solve this huge waste problem. Therefore, HELP O Eco Green Ltd joined hands with Natures Beauty Creations Ltd for waste management program in eco-friendliness. HELP O got an opportunity to share the experience about waste management program and how waste becomes a profitable venture and how people can find sustainable solution to waste problem. A 22m 3bio gas unit is to be installed there. They use bio gas for cooking purpose and found it a better waste management mechanism in eco friendly manner. Ms. Chathurika Priyadarshani, the Chemist of Natures Beauty Creations Ltd, sent a chart of the measurement of bio gas usage after the installation of the bio gas plant and this chart is given in the following page. If you require more details, please contact Ms. Chathurika.

Monitoring Bio gas consumption of NBC Ltd

Date 16/09/2013 17/09/2013 18/09/2013 23/09/2013 26/09/2013 28/09/2013 30/09/2013 1/10/2013 2/10/2013 3/10/2013 4/10/2013 5/10/2013 8/10/2013 9/10/2013 21/10/2013 23/10/2013 24/10/2013 25/10/2013 28/10/2013 29/10/2013 30/10/2013 31/10/2013 01/11/2013 04/11/2013 05/11/2013 06/11/2013 07/11/2013 08/11/2013 11/11/2013 12/11/2013 13/11/2013
Thank You Chathurika Priyadarshani ISO chemist. Nature's Beauty Creations Ltd. P.O. Box 1, Millewa, Horana, Sri Lanka PH: +94-3422-61100 FX: +94-3422-53300 EM: iso@nbc.lk WEB: www.naturessecrets.lk Sri Lankas Largest and only natural herbal cosmetic producer with ISO and GMP certified ultra modern production facility

flow meter reading 12.555 13.505 14.278 18.375 22.295 29.275 33.555 35.565 38.786 42.410 46.540 51.510 59.085 62.165 83.811 85.615 88.114 90.250 93.116 95.231 98.120 100.212 104.750 107.800 112.423 118.610 124.920 129.230 132.420 135.350 138.760

used quantity of Bio gas(m3) 0.950 0.773 4.097 3.920 6.980 4.280 2.010 3.221 3.624 4.130 4.970 7.575 3.080 21.646 2.502 1.801 2.136 2.866 2.115 2.889 2.092 4.538 3.050 4.623 6.187 6.310 4.310 3.190 2.930 3.410
121.235

ECO GREEN

Great Sustainable Solution for Willuda Inn Hotel

Awareness is the state of being aware, or having knowledge of something. Its ineluctable to be aware about the things and duties that you are dealing with. Thats why HELP -O Eco Green Company had organized an awareness program on monitoring the bio gas unit installed in Willuda Inn hotel. On 27th of November, the awareness program was conducted by Mr.Chathura Welivitiya, the Managing Director of HELP-O Eco Green Company. Through this we hope to reduce the problems which are occurring when using the bio gas. A number of workers participated at this educational event as they needed to be aware about maintaining this project properly. Firstly, Mr. Chathura explained to them the present situation in Sri Lanka about urban waste, waste water, toilet waste and energy. As a sustainable solution for these problems, he introduced to them the usage of bio gas. Before starting the awareness towards maintaining the bio gas plant, it was important to acquaint them with some background information. It was only after that the workers could exactly understand the importance of maintaining the plant. What is bio gas? Mr. Chathura explained it them with all details including what it contains. This made them aware that increasing methane percentage in the plant is the main criteria to producing bio gas as it needs to be contain 50% - 70% methane compared to other gases like Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulphite. To produce methane, what do they need to use as inputs? That was the next thing he described. While he was describing these inputs, the workers became very interested as they asked many questions. Things of green color are the most productive source for methane. As an example, cow dung and vegetables are most suitable for their bio gas plant as these resources could be found easily. And that was valuable information for the workers. Further, he explained that bio gas plant should only be fed digesting organic waste. And those materials also need to be chopped before being fed to the plant. If large materials like vegetable waste, fish waste are not well chopped, many problems will occur to the plant like damaging the plant. He expressed some of his experiences that occurred due to this negligence. One worker asked about the water percentage that needs to be mixed with inputs. It was described very clearly by Mr. Chathura. He advised them not to input much lime and pine apple waste in to the plant as lime is not a chemical item that they could use. Though lime is not a chemical item, the acid it produces can kill the bacteria in digester tank which produces gas. Then he explained about the items which they should not use as input materials. Non organic waste such as glass, polythene, plastic, chemicals, rubber, metal etc should not be used. Organic items like stones, sand, animal skeletons, dried leaves, fruit seeds etc should also be not used. 6

ECO GREEN

Then the structure of the plant was described to them using images as they can understand it easily. And to encourage them to plant vegetables using the organic fertilizer of bio gas plant, he showed them some pictures of home gardens which use bio fertilizer. They were impressed by the photographs and ask how to use them. It was explained to them with the percentage of water to be added to the fertilizer. After concluding the awareness program with visual presentations, Mr.Chathura accompanied the workers when they went to visit their newly built bio gas plant. There, he showed them each part of the bio gas plant and explained their functions. Some of their questions raised were discussed and solutions provided. Mr Chathura also made them aware about the manometer as it will be very important equipment in how to check the gas level and explained its operation. At the end, the workers were satisfied with the awareness program as they obtained valuable education in not only maintaining their bio gas plant correctly but also about bio gas.

ECO GREEN

Presenting the Green Certificate to Willuda Inn Hotel

Due to their great support in contributing towards the environmental sustainability through waste management system, HELP-O Eco Green Company presented them with the Waste Management Certificate at the end of the program on the same day. Mr.Chathura Welivitiya, the Managing Director of HELP-O Eco Green Company, presented this unique certificate to the Willuda Inn Hotel.

Eco Gas Solutions for Mawaramandiya Co-operative

Mawaramandiya Co-operative is situated in Biyagama area. After installing a biogas plant in their premises, they asked us for an awareness program as they needed to be educated about maintaining it. HELP-O Eco Green Company is always prepared to enlighten others about biogas because the success of installed biogas plant depends on its proper maintenance and constant monitoring. To achieve this goal, they need to be educated about biogas. On 27 th of November, the awareness program was conducted by Mr.Chathura Welivitiya, the Managing Director of HELP-O Eco Green Company. The target of this program was to reduce their problems which are occurring while using biogas. The President, Vice President and the other members of Co-operative participated at this meeting. At this meeting, Mr. Chathura explained to them all aspects of biogas. Under the topic MAKING AWARE ABOUT BIO GAS, the following points were described. Composition of biogas Advantages of biogas HELP-O Eco Green Companys contribution in Pavithra Ganga program How biogas helps to reduce global warming Structure of a biogas plant Several ways of using biogas like lanterns, cooking purposes etc The importance of using bio fertilizer Cultivation through bio fertilizer Different sectors biogas had been implemented Example- hotels, hospitals, domestic, factories, market places, Sri Lankan Air lines, service providing institutions, schools, prisons, municipal councils, army and navy camps, community biogas plants etc Importance of domestic biogas plants

ECO GREEN

The next step was to educate them about maintenance. Towards this, the following were explained. How to input materials to the biogas plant How to improve gas percentage What are the materials that can be used as inputs and what are the most most effective methane produces Example- cow dung-54%, pig dung -57%, grass-60%, kitchen waste-52%, toilet waste-60% etc.

What are not suitable for use as input materials Example Non organic waste like g. glass h. polythene i. plastic j. chemicals k. rubber l. metal Organic waste like h. stones i. sand j. animal skeletons k. dried leaves l. fruit seeds m. lime n. pine apple The percentage of water needed to be added with inputs Example- cow dung 1:1, pig dung 1:3, kitchen waste 1:2 etc.

ECO GREEN

Importance of chopping the materials before entering to the plant How to measure the gas amount through manometer About kilopascal meter

After the presentation, Mr. Chathura gave them an opportunity to ask questions. Several questions were asked and all of them were answered. Then, with all the participants, Mr. Chathura visited their bio gas plant. And again he advised them about maintaining bio gas plant correctly and explaining the various parts of the plant. As they were well satisfied with his awareness program, a successful day came to an end.

An Article was published in Sri Lankan Airlines Newspaper about the Opening Ceremony of newabuilt Bio Gas plant.

ECO GREEN

10

Shramadana Campaign by Thotagamuwa Childrens Society

A shramadana campaign was organized by the Thotagamuwa guidance of Thennakoon. childrens Field society under Ms. the Manager, Ayoma

COMMUNITY

The reason for this campaign was to install some vegetable beds. It was difficult to install vegetable beds without cleaning and clearing the area. The area needed to be cleaned and cleared to achieve this purpose. All the members of the childrens society participated in this memorable event. Participants not only cleaned and cleared the area but also installed vegetable beds. Planting vegetables is a very important thing. It is a future investment as they hope to use these vegetables for their daily use. Though they are just children, their work is remarkable. We really appreciated this campaign because their effort was incomparable. Through this campaign, they got to know how to work together as a group and team. In a group, there are different types of personalities. When they had to work together, they got an opportunity to know how to work and deal with those different personalities. It was an auspicious start to their future.

11

Together make the world

The Thotagamuwa childrens society organized a Fair and a Mal Perehara under the guidance of Field Manager, Ms. Ayoma Thennakoon. Through this Fair, the childrens abilities were

COMMUNIYT

improved as they got to know about working together and also the friendliness among them was improved. The main aim of organizing this Fair was to collect money for their childrens fund. The vegetables they sold were home grown. By increasing the collection to their Fund, they hope to help each other in difficult times as in sickness, and also buy presents to the members who are celebrating birth days. They do not have to ask money from their parents towards these expenses as they can do so themselves. As children, they are striving to think and work independently during their young age. That is what Sri Lanka needs, a future generation learning to live independently. We hope they will achieve this aim in the coming days. The Mal Perehara was held on Poya day of November. Pious devotees offered flowers. The 35 children participated in this charitable occasion.

12

In

this issue, we intend to create awareness about

women who were successful in their self-employment projects through the support of HELP-O. Many small businessmen are trying to developing their own businesses. HOLDE Womens co -operative Ltd is one

COMMUNITY

of the best known committees in Galle District. The committee is helping to develop their self- employees towards a better life style. Ms. W Rasika is one of the members of HOLDE Womens co -operative Ltd and China Garden branch. W She has a textile shop in Galle town. Her husband always helps her to develop the business. We got ideas about their success from her husband. How did you enter in to this business? We were affected by the Tsunami in 2004which destroyed everything we had. We re-started our business and gradually developed our business. Today, with the assistance of HELP-O, we are successful in our business. We want to tell everyone that with HELP-Os support, we need not do any job. We do not need any assistance for our essentials nor need other loans. In our case, we came to know about HELP-O Community Base Organizations (CBO). CBO builds small groups stronger and we wanted to grow up in our business. Of course we can talk to them about our problems and pay our loan instalments. Now we have a good income and we have a fixed place to conduct our business. Normally, I obtain loans before the seasonal time and we take loans from HOLDE Womens co -operative to settle in monthly instalments. Last month, we obtained a loan of Rs. 100,000.00 from HOLDE Womens co -operative Ltd. It contributed to the success our lifestyle. What kind of message would you like to convey to other women of this society? HOLDE Womens co-operative is a very strong committee to encourage women like me. Actually, it is very helpful to me and my family as we achieve success in our living standards and I hope to develop my business even further.

13

Experience from CITYNET Seoul Congress 2013

The program was organized by CITYNET Innovative Solutions for People Friendly Cities and was held from November 03-06 2013. Over 30 Mayors, 20 multi literal organizations and 300 people from 75 cities met to collaborate on the most pressing urban development issues facing the Asia Pacific Region. From HELP-O, Mr. Chathura Welivitiya, the chairman of HELP-O, participated and it was a good opportunity and honor to participate on behalf of Sri Lanka. Mr. Chathura Welivitiya presented a case study named HELP-O Eco Gas Solutions for Making Clean & Green Bio Energy Cities. We received valuable ideas from him about his experience.

EXPERIENCES

Mr.Chathura Welivitiya Experience Im happy to say as the founder of the HELP -O regarding the compatibility of that vision of our organization and the vision of 2013 Seoul Congress and the way forward to the future with better understanding of the worlds need from time to time. I got a c hance to present our best practices. A HELP O Eco Gas solution was lucky to bring the miracle of waste converting to usable resource. In that sense, HELP O Eco Gas Solutions could reduce the amount of organic waste accumulation, generating bio energy and organic fertilizer for organic harvesting through waste. Also, I would like to say CITYNET is the regional network of local authorities for the management of human settlement. CITYNET has grown to become an international organization of more than 100 members in more than 20 countries, most of which are cities and local governments in the Asia-Pacific region. I would like to thank the CITYNET Chairman and the Korean Seoul Metropolitan Government Mayor for granting me this opportunity. So, I think you may have understood the way of achieving green bio energy cities concept and I must appreciate the opportunity given to me to share our experiences with other cities and Im wishing a perfect arrangement of this big event all success. Having said that, I would like to thank you all and to remind you to keep this saying in mind Together we can do more to creating people friendly cities. You can see more information through this link. http://seoul2013.citynetcongress.org/

14

Experience from CITYNET Seoul Congress 2013

CITYNET was created in response to the needs of growing cities in the Asia Pacific. In 1982 the
1st Regional Congress of Local Authorities for the Development of Human Settlements in the Asia Pacific was held in Yokohama, Japan. The Yokohama Congress was organized with the sponsorship of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) and hosted by the City of Yokohama. The Congress stressed the need to build cooperative links between local level governments and urban stakeholders. CITYNET was officially established in 1987 with the support of UNESCAP, UNDP, UN-HABITAT, the City of Nagoya and 27 members. From that point on CITYNET has maintained its mission to promote cooperative links and partnerships throughout the Asia Pacific in order to improve the sustainability of our cities. As a member of CITYNET, HELP-O participated in this congress on 4-6th November 2013. We will share the experiences of our participants at the CITYNET Seoul Congress through this newsletter. The Chairman/Chief Executive of HELP-O, Mr.Chathura Welivitiya and the Project Manager, Miss.Nadeeka Amarasinghe, participated at this Congress and below are ideas from them about the CITYNET Seoul Congress 2013. Miss Nadeeka Amarasinghes Experience I participated at the CITYNET Seoul Congress from 4-6th of November which focused on the theme Our Vision and Way Forward: Innovative Solutions for People -Friendly Cities. The Congress, held once every four years, is a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with highlevel city officials, civil society leaders, and urban activists from across the Asia Pacific and beyond. One major importance of this years congress was CITYNET Secretariat which moved its office to Seoul in South Korea on 26 March 2013 after 20 years in Yokohama, Japan. As a Sri Lankan, Im very proud about this unique opportunity we at HELP-O got. We are an associate member of CITYNET under the topic of civil organizations. CITYNET is a regional network of over 130 cities and organizations specializing in sustainable urban development. CITYNET congress clustered on the fields of Millennium Development Goals, Infrastructure Development through city-to-city cooperation, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change. In CITYNET Seoul Congress, first of all, a General meeting was held with the participation of all delegates and then all the delegates were clustered according to their activities. After that, further separate meetings were organized for them according to their clusters. HELP-O participated in the Climate Change cluster. Climate change adds a further layer of risks and urgency to the multitude of urban challenges already at play. With a membership spanning some of the most vulnerable cities to climate extremes, CITYNET provides special programs focused on disaster-preparedness, response 15 and long-term rebuilding.

EXPERIENCES

Experience from CITYNET Seoul Congress 2013

EXPERIENCES

I participated in the Climate Change cluster and it was a great opportunity for me as I gained a valuable opportunity to exchange our ideas and experiences with others. In this session, we mainly discussed about future action necessary to improve city-to-city climate change cooperation. The below stated topics were also discussed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. (UNESCAP) Turning waste into a resource: Challenges and Opportunities in Asia-Pacific. Innovative and Low-Cost solutions to solid waste and fecal sludge treatment. Promoting pro-poor and sustainable solid waste management in Asia-Pacific- The Waste to Resource (W2R) Fund Local initiatives in achieving sustainable and low carbon cities in Asia: Lessons leaned and future potential. We, HELP-O, presented our project called GREEN BIO ENERGY CITY. Our vision is A world with social Justice & Environmentally- friendly economic Development. To achieve our vision, we have started this project in Galle and Trincomalee. Like us, all the others presented their future plans, past successful projects etc. Not only about climate change, but we as participants at the General Meeting, which was organized for all the participants, I was able to gather many important data for my future activities because when other participants presented their projects, I realized that there are many other projects we can undertake in Sri Lanka, not only about climate change but also on many other sectors. And this was also a great event to improve our international exposure. Finally, I would like to say that participating at CITYNET Seoul Congress 2013 was one of the greatest achievements I had in my life because I had a golden opportunity to learn many things in my field of work and I am hoping to apply that knowledge in my future endeavours

16

Coming News
Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED) invite to Mr.Chathura Welivitiya the Chairman of HELP-O The special session will take place during the Sixteenth Annual Sustainable Development Conference (SDC 2013) FROM 10- 12th of December, in Islamabad, Pakistan hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The theme of this years sustainable development conference 9 SDC - 2013) is Creating Momentum: Today is tomorrow Mr.Chathura Welivitiya Participated for this program to present the Application of a Green Bio energy City Concept in Trincomalee City based on integrated Solid Waste Management Editor,

Chief Advisor
Mr.Chathura Welivitiya

HELP O Newsletter No.364/18A, Samagi Mw,

Editors
Nadeesha Dilhani / Hirushi Perera

Dangedara, Galle, Sri Lanka. T.P/Fax- (++94)91 4380121/ (++94)91 2226818 E-mail helpogn@wow.lk helpoecogreen@sltnet.lk

Photographs By
Ayoma Thennakoon / Sampath Athukorala Janaka Chandrajith

Web Sites- www.helposrilanka.org www.helpoecogreen.com

17

We welcome your Comments & Suggestions....