Link Samahan Champions Sacred Environmental Conservation with ‘Asiri Surakimu Samanola’ at Sacred Sri Pada

Renowned both locally and internationally for its trusted Ayurveda and wellness solutions, Link Samahan – the flagship brand of Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd – has proudly concluded its impactful ‘Asiri Surakimu Samanola’ biodiversity conservation initiative. This project was implemented in an effort to preserve the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of Sri Pada, which is a UNESCO heritage site and a celebrated pilgrimage destination.

Launched towards the end of the annual pilgrimage season, culminating with Vesak Poya, the initiative drew the voluntary support of approximately 450 people. Their invaluable efforts have led to the collection and recycling of more than 1.1 metric tons of non-biodegradable plastic waste, creating a tangible impact on the environment around the sacred site.

Sri Pada attracts close to five million pilgrims a year, this includes Buddhists, devotees from other faiths and local and foreign tourists. The unfortunate result of this influx is the accumulation of polythene waste and over a million plastic bottles, which threatens the ecological balance of this spiritual landmark.

Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd recognised and understood the urgent need for environmental intervention and initiated the ‘Asiri Surakimu Samanola’ campaign in 2017, under the Link Samahan banner. The objective of the programme was not only to mitigate environmental harm, but also to foster a culture of ecological responsibility among visitors and pilgrims. The efforts focused on the protection of biodiversity-rich forests, watersheds, and ecosystems around Sri Pada, and creating public awareness through media outreach and via partnerships with government and non-government entities.

The ‘Asiri Surakimu Samanola’ initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Norwood Divisional Secretariat, Maskeliya Pradeshiya Sabha, Nuwara Eliya Health Services Directorate, Nallathanniya Police, Nallathanniya Wildlife Office, and the Ceylon Electricity Board. It also saw volunteers from youth clubs, local schools, a faculty from the Sri Pada National College of Education, and employees of Link Natural. Independent Television Network (ITN) provided media coverage to educate the public about this task and empower them to protect the environment. The initiative also encourages participation via social media, which attracted island-wide support. Proper health and safety measures were provided for all volunteers.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Raj Kumar, Head of Marketing at Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd, stated: “For over two decades, the Link Samahan Relief Zone has been a sanctuary for thousands of devotees on their sacred journey to Sri Pada, offering rest and comfort from December until Vesak Poya in May. Pilgrims are welcomed with Samahan herbal drinks to help them stay refreshed and resilient during the climb. Upon their return, we provide warm water foot baths followed by soothing applications of Samahan SP Balm, helping to relieve travel fatigue and ease the physical strain of the journey. The Relief Zone is open 17 hours each day, continuously, throughout the pilgrimage season, ensuring that no devotee is left without care, no matter the hour. This is our way of supporting the unwavering spirit of the pilgrims as they transition through demanding environmental conditions. Recognising the growing environmental concerns, we expanded our commitment through the ‘Asiri Surakimu Samanola’ program. At the close of the season, we return to the sacred site not just to clean it, but to symbolically offer it back to Lord Saman in its purest form. We are deeply grateful to all who joined hands in this heartfelt mission.”

K.L. Maldeniya, Public Health Inspector of Nallathanniya, praised the brand’s efforts, stating, “Link Samahan’s initiative has significantly helped prevent non-biodegradable waste from entering nearby reservoirs during the six-month pilgrimage season. Their leadership in mobilising state agencies and the public is commendable. We deeply appreciate the mission of Link Samahan to prevent the immense environmental damage that could have been caused by non-perishable waste being disposed of by devotees. Through the Link Samahan ‘Asiri Surakimu Samanola’ program, they have created a powerful model of environmental stewardship that safeguards our precious water sources.”

In addition to environmental stewardship, Link Samahan continues to offer effective, natural self-care solutions to the public. Through sustainable initiatives such as the ‘Asiri Surakimu Samanola’ programme, the brand further cements its legacy not only as a mere wellness brand but as a committed partner in the protection of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty for future generations.