SLT-Mobitel aligns marine conservation with digital resilience at ‘Seashells’ calendar launch

By Nishel Fernando

SLT-Mobitel unveiled its 2026 corporate calendar under the theme ‘Seashells of Sri Lanka’ this week, utilizing the occasion to draw a sharp parallel between the protection of marine ecosystems and the stability of the country’s digital infrastructure. 

While the calendar celebrates the island’s marine biodiversity, the launch underscored that environmental conservation is now a critical business necessity for the telecommunications giant, directly linked to its “Co-Connection” ESG strategy.

Addressing the gathering, SLT Group Chairman Dr. Mothilal de Silva described the new calendar as a “silent message” regarding the urgent need for protection, noting that seashells are natural masterpieces that serve as protective abodes for marine life. He connected this natural resilience to the company’s own business operations, specifically its network of international submarine cables. With the upcoming SEA-ME-WE 6 cable set to commence commercial operations by the end of 2026, bolstering the existing SEA-ME-WE 4 and 5 systems, the physical security of these “vital arteries” is paramount.

Dr. de Silva referenced recent service challenges where extreme tidal surges and coastal erosion threatened the shore-end infrastructure of these cables. He explained that the degradation of natural coastal barriers—which healthy coral and mollusk populations help maintain—has allowed rising sea levels to impact landing stations, serving as a tangible example of how climate change can compromise the nation’s digital backbone. This focus aligns with the Group’s 2024 Annual Report, which prioritizes the “Nature” pillar of its ESG framework to mitigate such climate risks.

The calendar itself is a curation of scientific and artistic excellence, featuring bespoke illustrations by renowned artists Pulasthi Ediriweera and Nalin Jayarathna, with design by Sanjeevan Sathyajith. Developed under the guidance of marine naturalist Dr. Malik Fernando, the collection spans the year with accurate depictions of distinct species, such as the Rose Branch Murex in January and the Bull-Mouth Helmet Shell in December. The initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap in a field that remains understudied in Sri Lanka; a 2020 checklist documented 494 gastropod species, figure experts consider minimum count for the island’s true biodiversity.

Reinforcing its commitment to “Business Integral CSR,” SLT-Mobitel announced it would continue to support community-focused initiatives, including awards and scholarships for university students engaged in marine conservation research. This effort builds on the legacy of the 2024 calendar, which highlighted mangrove ecosystems, creating an unbroken cycle of knowledge sharing intended to nurture future environmental stewards while safeguarding the natural heritage essential for the country’s ecological and digital future.