SDG Action Team – CFC – History
The SDG Action Team of CFC has a history dating back to September 2020 when it was established as part of the long-term strategy plan of Ceylon Fisheries Cooperation. The idea for the team originated from Engineer K A Rajitha Punsara, who was newly appointed and had been actively working towards achieving the SDGs in Sri Lanka as a young leader.
The concept of forming the SDG Action Team was well received by the higher management team of CFC and the driving authorities. With their support and blessings, the SDG Action Team commenced its first activities during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The team received training from social workers who were experienced in working towards successful SDG implementation. Leveraging their previous knowledge and guidance from the founders, the team aligned their activities towards the SDGs and embarked on the journey towards achieving them.
The SDG Action Team committee consisted of key individuals within CFC. The Head of the Engineering Department/ Mechanical Engineer K A Rajitha Punsara, who founded the SDG Action Forum, was appointed as the chairperson. Additionally, the CFC chairman (Major General (Rtd) Lalith Daulagala), Managing Director (Mr. Krishantha Rathnaweera) blessed with advisor positions, and other senior officials such as the Deputy General Managers of HR, Finance, and Marketing, heads of various departments including Legal, Audit, Purchasing, Cool Room, State and Hospital Supply, Quality, and Picketing, were appointed as working committee members.
During the Covid-19 second wave, the committee and the SDG Action Team demonstrated remarkable performance. Their efforts were recognized and they were honored with the “Best Biggest Service Supplier in 2020-2021 Covid Period” award at the SLIM Restart award ceremony held at the BMICH on January 22, 2021.
In 2021, guided by the committee, the SDG Action Team achieved the following activities during a challenging time:
· Reestablishment of the Fish Cold Chain:
o The team successfully rebuilt the broken fish cold chain that was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and false news regarding the spread of the virus through fish. This effort prevented significant fish harvest waste, which would have been the largest in recent history. The team worked on fish buying, storing, and distributing operations for six months, handling more than 3 million kilograms of fish. This activity directly contributed to the goals of reducing poverty (GOAL 1), eliminating hunger (GOAL 2), promoting good health and well-being (GOAL 3), and encouraging responsible consumption and production (GOAL 12).
· Supply of Food for Covid Camps, Hospitals, and Quarantine Centers:
o The SDG Action Team ensured uninterrupted supply of food to Covid camps, hospitals, and quarantine centers throughout the pandemic. This initiative aimed to fulfill the protein requirements of those in need and contributed to the goal of promoting good health and well-being (GOAL 3).
· Manufacture and Supply of Beds for Covid Quarantine Centers:
o In collaboration with the Fisheries Ministry, the team manufactured and supplied 1000 beds for Covid quarantine centers. This effort helped accommodate and care for individuals in need during the pandemic, supporting the goal of promoting good health and well-being (GOAL 3).
· Restarting Operation of Galle Cool Room Facility:
o The team successfully restarted the operation of the Galle Cool Room facility, which has a capacity of 600 tons. This initiative contributed to the goal of responsible consumption and production (GOAL 12) by ensuring efficient storage and preservation of fish.
· Introduction of Budget Pack for the Local Market:
o The SDG Action Team introduced a Budget Pack, which was a low-priced family-size frozen fish pack with various fish variants. This initiative aimed to provide affordable and nutritious food options for the local market, directly contributing to the goal of eliminating hunger (GOAL 2).
Through these activities, the SDG Action Team demonstrated its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and making a positive impact during a challenging time.