SLT-MOBITEL unveils 2024 Calendar with spotlight on mangrove ecosystem

Reinforcing a commitment to environmental conservation, SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, last week unveiled its much-anticipated 2024 calendar themed ‘The Mangrove Ecosystems in Sri Lanka’. The calendar celebrates the beauty and invaluable ecological significance of the country’s vital mangrove ecosystems and the intrinsic value of the country’s natural heritage.

Prabhath Dahanayake, Chief Marketing Officer, SLT said: “As pioneers of accelerating the nation’s digital transformation, SLT-MOBITEL recognizes its responsibility surpasses business goals. We have highlighted the mangroves ecosystem in our annual 2024 Calendar to create awareness on sustainability and initiative a dialogue for action. We believe mangroves represent a delicate balance of livelihoods and climate resiliency similar, to our robust networks and innovative solutions that aims to uplift society. As a purpose-driven national brand, SLT-MOBITEL commits to inspiring environmental consciousness and safeguard the natural interconnected systems for future generations.”

The calendar features 12 stunning paintings, each depicting a different aspect of the mangrove ecosystem in Sri Lanka. The interconnectedness of life within the mangrove ecosystems is beautifully portrayed by the calendar’s talented artists, Pulasthi Ediriweera, Parami Vidyarathna, and Piumi Maheshika. They have used their creative talents to capture the beauty and diversity of the mangroves.

Professor Sevvandi Jayakody, Chairperson of the National Mangrove Expert Committee and the Chair Professor of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, served as the Resource Person for the calendar, offering valuable advice.

Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody said: “As the Champion to Commonwealth Blue Charter’s forum on ‘Mangrove Ecosystems, Livelihoods Action Group’, Sri Lanka has taken very positive steps in both conserving, restoring and creating public awareness about mangroves. However, we are dealing with a very fragile ecosystem that we have ignored and treated very badly for many decades. Therefore, love and care from everyone is essential at this hour. It is our best effort to safeguard our island nation and her assets.”

Sri Lanka is home to 21 true mangrove species, each uniquely adapted to specific habitats along the island’s coastal wetlands. In total, approximately 19,000 hectares of Sri Lanka’s shoreline are blanketed by remarkable mangrove species and their associated plants.Importantly, for Sri Lanka, the mangroves sustain coastal communities by providing food, fuel, timber, and medicinal resources, in addition to creating fertile fishing grounds.