SLT-MOBITEL, and Lanka Nature Conservationists (LNC) jointly organized to host a free monthly online lecture series via the eSiphala from SLT-Mobitel platform to raise awareness and education on the country’s rich environmental heritage. Three lectures were conducted recently on ‘COVID-19 & Future Conservation Challenges’, “Recognizing commonly found Venomous and Non-Venomous Snakes” and “What if Mangroes are not there?”. These were conducted by the leading ornithologist in Sri Lanka, Vidyajothy, Emeritus Professor Sarath Kotagama, Professor of Environment Science, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo , Mr. Mendis Wickramasinghe researcher, naturalist, nature photographer & author and Professor Sevvandy Jayakody, Senior Lecturer at Wayamba University, also the Chairperson of National Mangrove Expert Committee, a member of Commonwealth Blue Carbon Initiative, respectively.
LNC is a voluntary, non-profit association of wildlife and nature enthusiasts and activists operating in Sri Lanka. It is an association of past members of the Young Zoologist’s Association (YZA) who have re-grouped to provide support for the protection of fauna, flora, and the natural ecosystems in Sri Lanka.
Committed to ensuring the protection and restoration of the natural environment for future generations as a responsible corporate citizen that believes in valuing and protecting Sri Lanka’s natural ecosystems, SLT-MOBITEL joined hands with LNC, to create public awareness through a series of online lectures. The lectures are based on the theme ‘Earth is calling are you listening?’ drawing attention on biodiversity especially on nature conservation to protect Sri Lanka’s natural environment resources. “eSiphala from SLT-Mobitel”, the online teaching platform targeted at enhancing the digital teaching and learning experience is being used to conduct these lectures.
Commenting on the initiative Prabhath Dahanayake, Chief Marketing Officer, SLT said, “Creating awareness about protecting our natural environment and resources are timely and important. We firmly believe the lecture series provides an ideal platform to the public who eagerly seek accurate and scientific information. SLT-MOBITEL is deeply passionate about caring for the environment and organising these lectures will enable society to get more involved in conservation efforts and be able to contribute to safeguarding our fragile ecosystems.”
Sri Lanka is recognised as the 34th biodiversity hotspot in the world, with a large proportion of endemic species. However, due to lack of awareness, threats such as pollution, deforestation, or climate change the country’s valuable ecosystems are becoming endangered. The main aim of organising these sessions is to reach out to the public with accurate information, motivate citizens, generate concrete action towards the protection & conservation of nature, encourage accountability towards environmental protection in daily actions , take decisions with the hope of building responsible behavior and increase enthusiasm to protect the environment.
Mr. Samantha Gunesekara, the president of LNC, former Deputy Director of SL Customs states that, “LNC out of its future plans has given priority to educate specially the younger generation on the protection of rich bio – diversity of the country. As e-Siphala from SLT-Mobitel is an easy platform to address wide range of viewers of all age groups under one umbrella, LNC joined hand with SLT-MOBITEL to achieve its goal”.
He further mentioned, “through this partnership, we are able to identify and connect with prominent, expertise, Internationally reputed researchers and scholars with high caliber of credibility and concern for national interests. This partnership has provided a greater opportunity and encouragement to create a general public platform to dialogue among environment enthusiastic and experts, while sharing their experiences. This will enhance knowledge to create a shared responsibility to protect our planet and conserve biodiversity”.
Forthcoming programmes will be conducted in monthly basis, on every third Sunday from 07:00 to 08:00 p.m. The discussion topics are on flora& fauna, the social and cultural ecosystem in Sri Lanka and other conservation related themes. The entire series will include 20 thought-provoking lectures. The lecture series is being conducted in Sinhala and English mixed medium and the professionals- mostly recognized worldwide lectures of the subject will share their knowledge and experience. All interested parties are invited to participate these lectures scheduled during the next few months through www.esiphala.lk and be enriched by an exciting learning experience.
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