Embark is a campaign dedicated to improving the wellbeing of stray dogs whilst reducing their population and preventing rabies in Sri Lanka. Since its inception, Embark has been active in many ways to address these issues and approaches them in a very positive manner, in order to ensure a strong and lasting impact on the welfare of both the animals and people of Sri Lanka.

Vision Statement
Embark's dream is to have the streets of Sri Lanka free of stray dogs and to give all dogs a home, the love and respect they deserve.

As Otara’s personal CSR initiative, Embark was launched in March 2007 with the sole mission of reducing animal cruelty and placing intense focus on animal well-being throughout the country.

Embark has identified strategic goals that will assist in the movement to eradicate cruelty and raise awareness of animal welfare issues. Since the launch of the project, Embark has undertaken and implemented a number of targeted activities that have made huge inroads into the achievement of these goals. 

Key activities include sterilization surgeries, puppy re-homing campaigns, education and awareness raising campaigns and care of injured stray animals. Each of these activities is underpinned by a comprehensive and consistent campaign of education.

An overriding objective for Embark has been to change attitudes and mindsets amongst the public. To date, this has been achieved by raising awareness of the importance of animal welfare, and advocating practical approaches to connecting and enjoying community animals.

Embark appeals to animal lovers of all ages, and we are delighted to say that we have converted many indifferent members of the public into dedicated supporters of Embark.

Corporate Social Responsibility
Besides the services campaign promotions carried out by Embark, Otara has initiated many campaigns as part of her social responsibility work. To name a few: adoption of baby elephants in need of help; introduction of “garbage bag” – to collect garbage in the car; plant a tree campaign and a housing project for people displaced by the 2004 tsunami. She has also actively taken part in conservation campaigns initiated by others. For example: clean our beach project; project to clear Proposis Juliflora from the Bundala National Park (a campaign made possible with MA’s Linea Aqua).

Fund Raising
Embark is funded by the profits generated from the sale of the 'Embark' merchandise range available in the Odel Store in Colombo 7, Bandaranayake International Airport, Warehouse Nugegoda, Kohuwala, Majestic City and Reality Plaza Ja-Ela in Sri Lanka. Embark also raises funds through personal & corporate donations and via online donations.

Initiated for the first time in Sri Lanka in October 2007, The Embark Dog Grooming Event was a great success as a fundraiser. All proceeds collected at these events by means of sponsorships and till collections are being utilized for Embark’s sterilization campaigns for community stray dogs, education campaigns for public and schools, treating of suffocated and injured animals in the community and raising awareness about animal welfare in Sri Lanka.

Proceeds from sponsorships, sales and dog grooming fees were excellent and helped support much of Embark’s campaigns and activities.   We are planning have more campaigns like this every year... keep watching our web-site for dates and further activities.

Otara Gunawardene, CEO of ODEL has had a colourful and experience-packed career.  Despite aspirations of being a veterinary surgeon, she ultimately studied Biology before being discovered as a potential model and was propelled to success on the catwalks of leading international designers. She then stumbled into the fashion retailing industry accidentally when she started to sell clothes from her car boot to family and friends. Her excellent eye for a trend and good quality clothing saw her launching a range of stylish clothing in Sri Lanka in 1990.  

Her brainchild, ODEL, has grown from a tiny outlet on Dickmans Road to an absolute lifestyle store that is recognized internationally.  Otara has been honoured with a number of awards as a leading businesswoman in Sri Lanka, these include; the SAARC Woman of Achievement Award (2000), Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of Sri Lanka (2000) Award, Entrepreneur of the Year (2000) and the Zonta Award for "Woman of Achievement" (2002) to name just a few.

Despite her success, she has remained true to her first love and contributed to many efforts of animal welfare before launching her very own initiative, Embark. Embark's sole mission is to improve the wellbeing of stray dogs and enhance the lives of animals throughout Sri Lanka through exhaustive programmes of education and support. She remains involved in the day-to-day running of Embark, and is integral to the direction and activities of the program.