Business
SLT-MOBITEL embarks on nationwide tree planting campaign for a healthier environment
SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT and Telecommunication Services Provider, has embarked on a nationwide tree planting campaign themed
to enhance air quality and slow the impact of climate change, demonstrating its strong commitment towards building a sustainable future. The programme was inaugurated at the Meeyagala Sri Meththarama Temple in Monaragala recently, in the presence of SLT Group Chairman, Rohan Fernando, SLT Group CEO, Lalith Seneviratne, members of the senior management of SLT-MOBITEL and some government officials of the region.
SLT-MOBITEL’s environmental stewardship initiative selected Sri Lanka’s Mee tree (Madhuca Longifolia) for the tree planting campaign due to its significant benefits as a natural pest control booster, contribution to producing organic fertilizer, aiding air purification and also as a source for herbal medicines. As the first phase of the programme, Mee saplings were planted at the Meeyagala Primary School while 500 plants were distributed among Meeyagala villagers.
Elaborating on the campaign, SLT Group Chairman Rohan Fernando stated, “As a responsible corporate entity, we stand strong in effectively contributing to enhance the air quality we breathe, battle against climate change and improve our general health and wellbeing. This year we have launched our nationwide programme towards a greener earth and strengthening our commitment to conserving the environment and firmly believe each one of us can make a difference.”
The tree planting initiative, as part of SLT-MOBITEL’s environment, social & governance programme, aims to promote forestation, natural carbon sinks and thereby reducing greenhouse gases, support air purification, safeguard biodiversity across multiple areas in the country, generate organic fertilizer, and create awareness among the general public on the importance of conserving Mee trees. Additionally, SLT-MOBITEL will closely monitor the trees planted using the ‘Thuru’ App, a digital solution which helps to observe the growth of each tree, in order to track the effectiveness of the tree planting campaign.
Continuing its commitment to social impact, SLT-MOBITEL donated books to the Meeyagala Primary school library. The initiative is part of its ‘Hithak Athnam Pothak Denna’ programme, with an aim to support education in rural schools.
Focused on addressing pressing environmental challenges, SLT-MOBITEL had previously begun the ‘SLT – Mobitel Green Premier League’ (GPL), a sustainable environmental conservation project, during the Sri Lanka Premier League 2020. The project was designed to plant the equivalent number of the winning score of each team in every match of the LPL and contribute immensely towards forest restoration.
The total outstanding market liquidity surplus or excess funds available in Sri Lanka’s banking system for lending and transactions declined by Rs. 36.65 billion in a week, according to the Central Bank’s latest economic indicators report.
An economic researcher analysing the data noted: “Treasury bill and bond auctions likely drained liquidity. If this tightening persists, short-term interest rates could rise, raising borrowing costs and potentially slowing economic growth. The situation warrants close monitoring, especially as the manufacturing sector is already facing a slowdown whether due to seasonal or structural factors.”
The report also highlighted the following developments in Sri Lanka’s economy:
Fiscal improvements: The deficit has narrowed but remains elevated.
Sectoral trends: The stock market rallied, and the services sector showed slower expansion (tourism, retail and IT driving resilience).
Total expenditure and net lending increased to Rs. 1,301.9 bn during the three months ending March 2025 compared to Rs. 1,197.5 bn in the corresponding period of 2024.
During the three months ending March 2025, the overall budget deficit decreased to Rs. 234.5 bn compared to Rs. 281.3 bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024
The rupee value of T-Bills and T-Bonds held by foreign investors decreased by 2 per cent in comparison to the previous week.
“The April 2025 industrial slowdown points to weaker output, likely due to seasonal factors such as holidays or subdued demand. However, this was partially offset by an expansion in the Services PMI, offering some relief. The broader economic outlook for Sri Lanka remains uncertain, as these mixed signals unfold as Sri Lanka would receive a tariff letter from the US in the coming weeks. With market liquidity already tightening due to government borrowings from the banking system, policymakers face mounting challenges in balancing growth and stability,” the economic researcher noted.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
AIA Sri Lanka’s ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign, in partnership with animal welfare groups, inspired 500+ adoptions of stray pets. The initiative highlighted adoption, responsible ownership, and compassion, tackling Sri Lanka’s stray animal crisis. AIA thanks all supporters for their life-changing impact.
The campaign served as a reminder that even small acts of kindness like adopting a stray can make a big impact. It also provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about responsible pet ownership, animal rights, and the importance of compassion toward all creatures.
Calton Sweet House Pvt. Ltd., a key part of Calton Group, was honored as the Best National Industry Brand in the Medium-Scale Food and Beverage Sector at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards 2024, organized by the Industrial Development Board. Deshamanya Mahesh De Silva, Director of Finance and IT at Calton Group, accepted the award.
Established in 1991, Calton Sweet House has over 30 years of excellence, specializing in cakes, snacks, and frozen bakery items, with 20+ outlets across Negombo, Katunayake, and Colombo, including at Bandaranaike International Airport. The company holds ISO, HACCP, and GMP certifications, ensuring top-quality standards.
Starting as a small store in 1983, Calton Group now employs 300+ staff and operates multiple businesses, including Calton Hyper Market and Calton Catering, while partnering with global brands like Unilever and Upfield. The group remains committed to serving customers with high-quality, safely packaged food products.
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Puttalam, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts
‘Accountability issues’: Successive govts. failed armed forces: Shavendra
Govt. likely to lose more votes in N&E unless it adopts remedial measures
-
Features1 day agoSearching for George Keyt
-
Midweek Review5 days agoBronze statue for P’karan, NPP defeat in the North and 16th anniversary of triumph over terrorism
-
News3 days agoChikungunya spreading rapidly in Colombo and suburbs
-
Features1 day agoThe Strategic Imperative:Why Sri Lanka Could Transform Indo-Pacific Security Through Space
-
Life style1 day agoBehind the sparkle
-
News6 days agoExpert: Mismanagement of CEB hydro resources increases costly oil-powered electricity generation
-
News5 days agoFrench Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ sets sail from Colombo
-
Business2 days agoHameedia launches ‘We Create’ – Sri Lanka’s first-ever online tailoring platform