ATG Group, SL Army plant 1,500 trees in Morawewa, Trincomalee
Sri Lanka’s leading industrial glove manufacturer ATG Group of Companies through its sustainability programme recently partnered with 22 Division of the Sri Lanka Army to plant 1,500 trees in Morawewa, Trincomalee.
The programme was fully financed by the ATG Group with an investment of Rs.3.1 million and initiated by the Sri Lanka Army together with other state organisations such as the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Forest Conservation Department and Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The entire vegetation which consists of a host of endemic plant species such as Mee, Domba, Ahala, Maa Dan, Gam Suriya and more, is watered by a system that is powered by solar power, a greener alternative renewable energy as opposed to grid electricity.
Speaking at the event, Research and Development Director Sunil Mendis highlighted the importance of incorporating modern technology to counter modern challenges such as climate change, saying: “The area receives rainfall only during three months per year and that is insufficient for the sustenance of the plants. As a sustainable solution, we have laid out the necessary infrastructure to make sure water is pumped to the plants through solar power throughout the year. Further, there are tanks underneath each plant to retain excess water for later consumption. The process is fully automated.”
He added that the technical knowhow and consultancy for this project was provided by the CEA and Forest Conservation Department.
He also mentioned that this project aligns well with the vision of ATG Group Chairman John Taylor and Managing Director Fazal Abdeen to conserve and preserve the nature, as well as pursue the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Each and every one of us is responsible to take necessary action to curb and mitigate global warming. Increasing of forest cover can help minimise the damage to the environment from excessive greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide,” he added.
In that regard, the ATG Group has funded many large-scale reforestation initiatives in partnership with public sector authorities. One such initiative was ‘Dambulla Green Project’ last year through which 1,000 Khaya and Kumbuk trees were planted across the city in partnership with the Dambulla Municipal Council