Against the backdrop of one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured wetlands, SLT-MOBITEL has launched a meaningful Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiative to restore life to the mangrove ecosystems of the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary in 2026.
The project was unveiled at Battle of the Maroons 95th cricket tournament between Ananda College and Nalanda College under the rallying call to ‘Play for the Planet’, as a reminder that spirit of stewardship stretches from beyond the playing field to the community. The launch at the game also carried a deeper purpose, a mission to safeguard the planet for future generations.
Many people remain unaware that mangroves are among nature’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Their roots plunge down into the earth like veins, binding coastlines together, sheltering communities from storm surges, and sustaining the biodiversity of countless species. Beneath the waterline, their root systems navigate soil and sediment to quietly store carbon for centuries, creating one of the planet’s most powerful tools against climate change.
Yet they are also among the most threatened of natural habitats, under pressure of disappearing due to expanding urban development and degradation. When mangrove ecosystems are lost, the carbon locked within them is released back into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change, and undoing generations of efforts to capture and contain.
The Anawilundawa Mangrove Restoration Project, SLT-MOBITEL’s flagship ESG program, is dedicated to protecting Blue Carbon ecosystems. It is also a direct response to environmental threats, breathing new life into degraded land, but most importantly, strengthening Sri Lanka’s resilience against climate challenges.
Through the project, SLT-MOBITEL reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and sustainable development. The initiative aims to rehabilitate local ecosystems, enhance climate resilience, and foster community ownership of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. The company hopes to inspire further collaborations, setting an example for others to follow.
Partnering with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, the Kandy Customer Club, and Million Laugh Entertainment Pvt Ltd, 400 mangrove trees were planted in the sanctuary, which is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Representatives from Ananda College, Nalanda College, and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society participated in the mangrove planting, guided by a common, shared purpose.
The replanting program doubled as an educational classroom in real time. Participants came to understand how Blue Carbon ecosystems act as powerful allies in climate change mitigation, and the critical role communities play in mangrove restoration and coastal resilience. Moreover, it was a reminder that sustainability is not limited to individual sectors but represents a shared responsibility to protect the planet for the future.
