Conservation of Sinharaja for future generations

Sri Lanka Telecom in partnership with the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) has initiated the 'Preserving Heritage for Tomorrow,' programme, in recognition of the importance of creating awareness on conservation of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The programme includes a trip to the forest reserve, scheduled for the third week of each month, covering three days. Schools are selected by FOGSL from across the island, regardless of language, community and stream of education.

Twenty students and five teachers have the opportunity of being selected through their respective school principal's approval to participate in this programme.

Professor Sarath Kotagama who is a renowned ornithologist expert in the country, leads the FOGSL team. Commenting on the significance of the initiative, he said; " Our broad theme is 'Good Citizens through Conservation.' Our aim is to get schools involved through a series of workshops.

The students who participate in this tour are given SLT caps, T-shirts and leech socks made of cotton. The students, are advised to wear outfits in muted and camouflage shades of colour such as green and brown. This is to ensure that the animals are not disturbed by the presence of humans in their natural habitat.

A forest officer will also speak about the history of the reserve as well as on what they should and should not do during their stay. These included making loud noises, breaking off branches or carving their names on the bark of trees and bringing polythene bags to the reserve.

Speaking on his experience, a student who took part in the programme said, "This was an amazing experience for us as we were given the opportunity to see the level of bio diversity and endemic species of flora and fauna at Sinharaja. We also had the chance to meet people who were dedicated to the conservation of nature and that has made an impact on myself. I am grateful to FOGSL and SLT for organizing such a programme, giving students from faraway places the chance to experience first hand conservation efforts here."

SLT believes that this kind of programme gears up and uplifts the capabilities as well as the creativity of students in diversified tracks, while providing awareness on preserving nature for tomorrow.

Students have the opportunity to learn skills needed for photography, team spirit, leadership, creative writing, observation, time management, drawing, documentary compiling, and environmental awareness among others.