Interactive Wetland Experience for the Next Generation
In collaboration with Dole Lanka and Cargills Ceylon PLC, BSL organized an educational Wetland Walk at Diyasaru Park for students of Stafford International School on 5th February 2025. The walk provided young minds with the opportunity to explore the biodiversity of wetlands, observe their ecological significance, and understand their role in climate resilience and water purification. This immersive experience allowed students to observe firsthand the rich biodiversity of wetlands and understand their critical functions, such as acting as natural water purifiers and buffers against climate impacts.
The students were introduced to the concept of wetlands as ‘nature’s kidneys’, filtering pollutants and supporting a diverse range of species. Through interactive discussions, they learned about the threats wetlands face—including habitat destruction and pollution—and the importance of conservation efforts. The initiative underscored the critical role that youth play in safeguarding natural ecosystems for future generations. By engaging young minds, the initiative aimed to cultivate future stewards of environmental conservation.
SLBBP Engages in Enhancing the Aesthetic Environment Around Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalows, Dik-Oya
The Castlereigh reservoir is considered a high-value resource by Ceylon Tea Trails, the World’s First Bungalow Resort, promoting responsible nature-based and adventure tourism in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The reservoir was created as Sri Lanka’s first mini-hydro power generation project, by damming the KehelgamuOya – a major tributary of the Kelani River. Located in the Central Province, the reservoir also gets fed by the DikOya, a minor tributary.
In an attempt to increase the potential of the reservoir for water sports and in general consideration of uplifting of the environment surrounding the Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalows located overlooking the reservoir, a field visit to the bungalows, reservoir and its feeding canals and streams was carried out recently based on the agreement signed between Dilmah Conservation and the Sri Lanka Business and Biodiversity Platform. Secretariat staff and experts visited the Dick Oya area of the Castlereigh reservoir and made observations on the surroundings of the Castlereigh reservoir and its feeding canals.Discussions were had with officials of Ceylon Tea Trails the Central Environmental Authority, the Ceylon Electricity Board, Department of Aquaculture,NuwaraEliya the Ambagamuwa Divisional Secretariat and the local Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, in order to obtain their inputs on the issue at hand.
Impacting negatively on the aesthetic beauty of the area is accumulated solid waste in the Castlereigh reservoir due to unregulated and haphazard waste disposal and dumping in the area.Under the guidance of Solid Waste Management expert, Dr Sumith Pilapitiya, the Platform will facilitate a sustainable solid waste management programme with the participation of all stakeholders.
Systematic assessments, water quality analysis and awareness creation will constitute the programme, the first phase of which will last for one year.
