Business

Defending Mangroves and Afforesting Underwater

Published

3 years ago

2023/06/18

Having had a keen interest in marine conservation since the inception of its environmental arm, Dilmah Tea is strengthening its investments in blue carbon – particularly mangrove conservation and sustainable seaweed harvesting in keeping in line with the UN decade of (ecosystem) restoration in 25 acres of land in Kappaladi Kite Lagoon in Kalpitiya, a company news release said.

Dilmah Conservation (DC), the sustainability arm of the tea company, is restoring mangroves. Currently a nursery with over 800 mangroves saplings consisting of seven species has been established and once at a ready height the saplings are planted in the degraded mangrove forest area. Meanwhile in Mannar, around 10 acres of land are being used for seaweed cultivation through sustainable methods, the release said.

Investing in blue carbon by restoring such ecosystems can contribute towards climate resilience as mangroves and Seaweed are better at storing carbon that terrestrial forests. Mangroves can absorb up to five times more carbon than forest trees. Similarly, seaweed generates more oxygen that land plants and absorbs more carbon too, it explained.

“A standout feature of Dilmah Conservation has been its collaborations and partnerships with different stakeholders and establishing the project on a strong scientific foundation. The organization partly attributes public-private partnerships for the long-term success of its marine conservation-related projects and therefore collaborates with the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) and National Aquaculture Development Association (NAQDA) and maintains dialogues with universities and independent organizations such as Pearl Protectors,” the release said.

“Under the Defending Mangroves project, a baseline survey in collaboration with MEPA helped identify types of mangroves existing in the area, suitable locations for restoration, and ideal mangrove species suited to the area. Hands-on experiential learning sessions with schools in the area have also been instrumental in generating awareness about the importance of these ecosystems.

Harvesting seaweed in Pesalai.

“For maintaining a nursery Dilmah has employed community members. The value of mangrove ecosystems stands in stark contrast to the dearth of available research. Therefore, Dilmah will establish a research station to strengthen the success of the project and make it replicable in other parts of the island as well.”

Under the sustainable seaweed cultivation project: Afforesting Underwater, DC has sought technical expertise and works closely with the National Aquaculture Development Association (NAQDA) to develop community fishermen into sustainable seaweed farmers. So far, around 10 acres have been cultivated in Pesalai, and plans to expand to other parts of the coastline are underway, the release further said.

“As conservation and culture overlap Dilmah takes into consideration sustainable livelihood upliftment in its projects. Thereby, in a collaborative effort seaweed agripreneurs were empowered through an incubator program known as the Lost Ingredients Lab.

“Education and awareness are one of the important pillars for Dilmah Conservation, thus the organization has consecutively sponsored the Pearl Protectors’ World Ocean Summit – a landmark event spearheaded by the independent marine conservation organization. In 2021 this was the largest virtual summit in Sri Lanka. This year the event was held at One Galle Face Mall to the enthusiasm of the public.”

Muditha Katuwawala, Founder of Pearl Protectors said, “We are absolutely delighted to have Dilmah Conservation onboard towards celebrating World Oceans Day for the second year. The Pearl Protectors have been consecutively celebrating world oceans day through knowledge sharing, art competitions, and inspiring the generation of Ocean enthusiasts. We hope our collaborative efforts will continue to positively impact the marine environment in Sri Lanka”

Driven by Dilmah Tea founder’s vision of creating a better tea for people and the planet, the tea company has constantly initiated projects to impact terrestrial ecosystems. Marine ecosystems are also close to Dilmah’s heart. In the past initiatives such as enabling the gazetting of an important reef called Kayernkerni in Kalkudah as a marine sanctuary, education, and awareness creation about Dugons in a fishing community, and keeping 50 km of the coastlines free by employing 50 caretakers, the release concluded.

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Related Topics:Dilmah Conservation Ecosystem:Kalkudah marine sanctuary National Aquaculture Development Association Underwater

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Lanka’s largest solar park set to transform energy landscape and local economy in Hambantota

Published

16 hours ago

2026/02/22

Thilina Walpola

A new era in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy is unfolding in the Gonnoruwa Division of Hambantota District, where construction has begun on the country’s largest solar power park. Spanning 450 acres and designed to generate 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity, the US$150 million private-sector-led project is poised to become a cornerstone of the nation’s sustainable energy ambitions.

Officials say the solar park, guided by the Sustainable Energy Authority and the Mahaweli Authority, will make its first contribution to the national grid by the end of this year, with full capacity expected by 2026. Once completed, the facility will rank among Sri Lanka’s largest renewable energy installations, second only to the 210 MW Victoria Dam and the 150 MW Upper Kotmale hydropower project.

The initiative is being framed as a strategic response to recurring power cuts in the Southern Province during annual drought periods. With a projected 20% contribution to the country’s daytime electricity demand, the solar park is expected to significantly stabilize the grid, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to the country’s renewable energy targets.

Project Engineer Thilanka Bandara confirmed that preliminary land preparation and boundary works have been completed, with 50 MW already feeding into the national grid. The investment, fully funded through foreign direct investment, local bank loans, and equity capital, requires no government funding. Two private firms are sharing the development, contributing 70 MW and 80 MW respectively.

Bandara highlighted a unique feature of the project: the transmission infrastructure, estimated at US$16 million, is entirely financed by the investors, marking a departure from conventional grid-connected projects. The park will also employ state-of-the-art ground-mounted solar technology, considered the most advanced currently deployed in Sri Lanka.

In a first for Sri Lanka, the solar panels will be installed five feet above the ground, allowing partial-shade crops to be cultivated underneath. Technical Officer Sithmina Bandara explained that this setup will enable the cultivation of food plants such as mushrooms, which thrive in shaded conditions, creating a model for integrated solar-agriculture systems. Agricultural experts have already provided guidance on implementing this initiative, which combines energy production with local food security.

The project is expected to generate 750 to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, with 400–500 already employed in the initial phase. Long-term maintenance work will provide further employment opportunities, offering a substantial economic boost to the Hambantota region. Environmental management measures are also in place to prevent elephants from entering nearby villages, ensuring harmony between development and wildlife.

All necessary approvals and permits were obtained by February 2025, aligning the project with the Ceylon Electricity Board’s national generation plan. Officials confirmed that upon completion, the total output of the Solar Energy Park will rise to 200 MW, combining existing installations with the new 150 MW facility.

Experts say the Hambantota solar park represents more than just a power generation project. Its innovative design, private-sector financing, and integrated agricultural approach position it as a template for future renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka, reflecting a new model of sustainable development that balances energy, economy, and environment.

By Sirimanta Ratnasekera

Business

ESU Kandy clinches dominant victory at ‘Battle of Esoftians’

Published

16 hours ago

2026/02/22

Thilina Walpola

The Battle of Esoftians, an annual cricket encounter organized by ESOFT Uni Kandy, concluded with a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the Kandy team secured a massive 245-run victory over ESOFT Metro Campus, Kurunegala. The match was held on the 15th at the University of Peradeniya Grounds.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the ESOFT Uni Kandy batsmen dominated the field from the outset. They showcased an explosive batting performance, posting a formidable total of 280 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, the Kurunegala ESOFT Metro team struggled against a disciplined bowling attack. The Kandy bowlers dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup, bowling them all out for a mere 35 runs, sealing a historic win for the Kandy campus.

The event was graced by the presence of key officials from the ESOFT management: Amila Bandara – Chief Operating Officer (ESOFT Uni), Dimuthu Thammitage – General Manager (Central Region), Lakpriya Weerasinghe – Deputy General Manager, ?Lahiru Diyalagoda

Centre Manager-Degree Division, ESOFT Metro Campus Kurunegala and Dushantha Sandaruwan – Master in Charge (ESU Kandy Cricket Club)

Team Lineups

ESOFT Uni Kandy (Winners)

Chamath Ekanayake (Captain), Dinuka Tennakoon (Vice Captain), Dushantha Sandaruwan (MIC), Chalitha Rathnayake, Pulasthi Bandara, Isuru Dehigama, Kesara Nuragoda, Aadhil Sherif, Isuru Pannala, Achintha Medawatta, Ahamed Shukri, Gowtham Hari Dharshan, Danushka Sahan, Eranda Bandara, and Damith Dissanayake.

ESOFT Metro Campus Kurunegala (Runners-up)

Adeesha Samarasekara, Savishan Madusha, Lahiru Diyalagoda, Hirun Damayantha, Naveen Madushanka, Daham Pothuwewa, Senuda Thewnaka, M.R. Abdulla, Arunodya Dasun, Mohamad Afri, Desith Perera, Lasitha Ranawaka, Anton Dilon, Shenuka Thirantha, and Kavindu Bandara.

Text and Pix By S.K. Samaranayake

Business

HNB joins Royal–Thomian “Battle of the Blues” as official banking partner

Published

16 hours ago

2026/02/22

Thilina Walpola

HNB Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications, Upul Adikari, together with HNB, Brand Manager, Ishara Thilakarathne, presents the Official Banking Partner sponsorship cheque to St. Thomas’ College, Warden, Asanka Perera and Royal College Principal Athula Wijewardana, in the presence of the Co-Chairs of the Royal–Thomian Match Organizing Committee and captains from both teams.

HNB PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, has joined as the Official Banking Partner for the 147th edition of the historic “Battle of the Blues,” the Royal–Thomian cricket encounter between Royal College, Colombo, and S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia. Commenting on the partnership, HNB’s Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte highlighted the bank’s long-standing connection with cricket, including sponsorship of Sri Lanka’s first Test match against England in 1982, and emphasized HNB’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting school cricket. The three-day clash for the Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield will take place from March 12–14 at the SSC Grounds, with the Mustangs Trophy one-day match following on March 28 under lights. HNB’s inaugural involvement marks a milestone in the bank’s sports marketing journey, strengthening its role in the school cricket ecosystem. The bank will enhance the spectator experience by introducing digital and cashless banking solutions, modernizing the event while preserving its rich heritage and sporting tradition.