4 February 2022 10:06 am Views - 144
SLT-Mobitel has embarked on a nationwide tree planting campaign 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 Fernandostated, “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 andfirmly 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 onthe importance of conserving Mee trees.
Additionally, SLT-Mobitel will closely monitor the trees planted using the ‘Thuru’ App, a digital solution which helps toobserve 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.