As part of PHDT’s continued efforts toward promoting sustainable living and improving community health in plantation regions, the “Introduction to the Cookstoves” program was successfully conducted on 23rd April 2025 in the Ratnapura Region and on 24th April 2025 in the Badulla Region. The sessions aimed to introduce estate managers and welfare staff to the new Nil Carbon Cookstoves, designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve indoor air quality.
Organized by the PHDT Regional Offices of Ratnapura and Badulla, and sponsored by the NILCARBON Project, the program saw the participation of over 90 attendees in each region, including estate managers, welfare officers, and key stakeholders.
Key Participants:
Regional Directors of PHDT – Badulla and Ratnapura Regions
Mr. Niroshan Illangaratne, Consultant – NILCARBON Project
Mr. Dhanushka Daswatte, Manager – M&E, PHDT
Estate Managers and Welfare Staff of the respective regions
Program Highlights:
The sessions focused on the practical use, health benefits, and environmental impact of the cookstoves. Live demonstrations and technical insights were shared, showcasing the stoves’ ability to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate respiratory health issues commonly faced by estate communities due to traditional cooking methods.
Participants responded positively to the product, recognizing its potential to improve both environmental and household conditions in their estates.
Next Steps:
This initiative will be expanded to other regions in the coming months. The implementation and distribution of the cookstoves to estate households is scheduled to commence from mid-May 2025, marking a significant step forward in PHDT’s sustainability and health promotion agenda.
PHDT remains committed to empowering estate communities through environmentally conscious innovations and will continue to work closely with partners like the “NILCARBON Project” to drive impactful change.
