Hayleys Advantis, the transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group, recently donated a pre-fabricated research laboratory in support of the scientists involved in the accelerated natural regeneration of mangroves at Anawilundawa. This project was completed under the first phase of the ‘Advantis Blue C’ programme, which was launched as a strategic sustainability initiative with the aim of conserving and restoring blue carbon ecosystems.
In collaboration with stakeholders, such as the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Advantis Blue C will help accelerate the vital regeneration of mangroves at the RAMSAR accredited wetland, Anawilundawa. Mangroves are a vital component in the replenishment of blue carbon resources as they store over ten times more carbon compared to terrestrial forests.
Led by Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody, Chair Professor at Wayamba University and Chairperson of the National Mangrove Expert Committee, the team handling scientific research at the site, is set to gather and study valuable topographical data, floral distribution, faunal habitations, hydrological models, and soil and water samples across the site. This study will lead to an improved understanding of how mangroves propagate and which areas or conditions are best suited for the seeds to take root and thrive.
“Effective mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains one of the key challenges in the international transportation and logistics industry. With the launch of Advantis Blue C, we believe that we are doing our part to mitigate this by lending our expertise,” said Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis Limited.
Pre-fabricated and installed to minimise any construction-related impact on the environment, the new lab facility constructed by Advantis Engineering will also serve as a base of operations for international scientists and students hoping to study the mangrove system at Anawilundawa.
Additionally, Hayleys Advantis will also assist the research process by deploying its staff in the field to assist with the gathering of floral and faunal data while providing technical assistance to establish a database for all the scientific findings. This may lead to the compilation of information that can be later shared with the global scientific community.
“Our efforts to replenish Blue Carbon resources are a part of a global effort to better understand these vital ecosystems, threats faced, and necessary measures to create the conditions for nature to heal itself. It is important that we work with all stakeholders to conserve the environment. The data that we will be able to collect, thanks to the support of Hayleys Advantis, will serve as the foundation of local and global efforts to restore coastal ecosystems and effectively combat climate change,” stated Prof. Jayakody.
Group Director of Hayleys Advantis, Capt. Lasitha Cumaratunga explained, “With our involvement in marine operations, and our wealth of maritime knowledge and expertise, we took leadership to address this global challenge in alignment with our evolving ESG commitments under the ‘Hayleys Lifecode’. By partnering with key government and conservationist organisations, we aim to give life to our coastal and marine ecosystems, which will, in turn, enable exponential increases in carbon sequestration, potentially serving as a powerful offset to GHG emissions globally.”
Hayleys Advantis is Sri Lanka’s most diversified transportation and logistics provider, with over six decades of regional experience and operations. Backed by the blue-chip multinational conglomerate Hayleys PLC, Hayleys Advantis is at the forefront of the logistics industry providing end-to-end solutions covering Integrated Logistics, Projects and Engineering, Marine and Energy, International Freight Management and Aviation. It is committed to innovating the industry, setting the pace and shaping the logistics sector.
