Business
South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH) Research Study at Dilmah’s Queensberry Estate
Working to Understand the Impact of Nitrogen Pollution from Ammonia on South Asian Forest Ecosystems
Since 2020, the UKRI GCRF South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH), in collaboration with Dilmah Tea, Dilmah Conservation, and the University of Peradeniya, has been conducting a study on the impact of ammonia pollution within a tropical forest ecosystem.
A news release on the subject from Dilmah explained emissions of ammonia to air represent a form of nitrogen waste, which is mainly lost from fertilizers and manures, reducing productive output in agriculture.
The project partners established an experimental site within the Rilagala Forest Sanctuary, adjacent to the Dilmah Queensberry Estate. Notably, South Asia has become a hot spot for nitrogen waste, leading Sri Lanka to lead international ambition to halve nitrogen waste by 2030, as declared during the Colombo Declaration of UN Day in 2019. The experimental site has now become a permanent monitoring plot.
Nitrogen, essential for food and protein production, poses a significant threat due to the excessive nitrogen waste generated from fossil fuel burning and the overuse of fertilizers. One key form of nitrogen release into the environment is ammonia, which can have adverse impacts on natural ecosystems and formation of fine particulate matter air pollution, which is damaging for human health.
The SANH research project addresses the pressing need for baseline data on the consequences of nitrogen pollution in much understudied South Asian Forest ecosystems, aiming to provide crucial insights for sustainable nitrogen management policies.
An integral part of this research involves the innovative use of a controlled ammonia enhancement system in forests, making it one of only two such sites globally. In this system the atmospheric ammonia pollution equivalent to a small farm is simulated. A system was developed to release ammonia only under specific wind conditions, ensuring it reaches designated areas where lichen and vegetation research plots are located.
The UKRI GCRF South Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH) collaborates with 32 leading research organizations across South Asia and the UK. In Sri Lanka, the research team is led by Professor S.P. Nissanka of the University of Peradeniya, in partnership with the Hub lead Prof. Mark Sutton, of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh. Specific expertise is provided by Dr. Gothamie Weerakoon, an internationally renowned lichen expert based at the Natural History Museum, London who previously collaborated with Dilmah Tea on a book about lichens and Dr. Ajinkya Deshpande, an environmental ecologist at UKCEH.
Professor Nissanka commented: “This is a superb opportunity for Sri Lanka to demonstrate its international leadership in both nitrogen science and policy. The Rilagala experiment on ammonia is the first of its kind in the whole of Asia”.
Professor Sutton added, “We are looking at work to raise awareness by better understanding the key threats. For example, seeing how nitrogen pollution is damaging coral reefs, exacerbating the problem of climate change with coral bleaching, seeing how nitrogen is affecting forest biodiversity, which is little studied, and finally we are looking at bringing those fluxes and flows together.”
Dr. Deshpande, emphasized “This experiment serves as a platform on which other institutes can build, using it as an example of the critical importance of data collection. Our methodology can be replicated elsewhere, broadening the impact of our work.”
In 2020, a research site was established at 1600 meters within the Rilagala Forest Reserve, which had been surrounded by Queensberry Estate tea plantations for nearly two centuries. This site offered ideal conditions and a rich biodiversity of lichen species, serving as effective bioindicators for monitoring nitrogen pollution.
Dr. Gothamie Weerakoon, said “The conclusions drawn from this data are crucial for sustainable farming, crop development, and improved livelihoods. If other corporate sector organizations who support such research, like Dilmah, come forward, it will illuminate the future of Sri Lanka and South Asia.”
Dilmah’s Climate Change Research Centre at Queensberry Estate in Nawalapitiya, the only privately owned climate change center in Sri Lanka, has provided unwavering logistics support to the SANH team, even during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises, demonstrating their dedication to climate change research. Local student researchers working on the project are supported by Dilmah through the Climate Research Centre, offering them valuable exposure to international collaborators, and raising awareness about the impact of climate change.
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
Showers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts after 2.00 pm.
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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