EDOTCO Sri Lanka leads first environmental-tech collaboration at Galle Fort

First row (From left) : Galle Heritage Foundation Staff Member Saman Kumara, CEA Senior Environment Officer K.G. Indrasena, EDOTCO Group Sdn. Bhd. Head – Occupational Health and Safety Mohd Fadhlie Muhammad Sutan Mudo, Galle Heritage Foundation Director Asanga Udula Dharmadasa,  Municipal Council Galle  Member Manoj Withanage, EDOTCO Group Sdn. Bhd. Group Director – Governance, Risk and Compliance Azzahraa Annuar, EDOTCO Services Lanka Head – Corporate Affairs Dimanthi Jayathilaka, Galle Heritage Foundation Development Officer Anushi Chandima, Police Depot of Galle Fort OIC W.K. Ileperuma, NBRO Scientist N.D.C. Lakmal, EDOTCO Services Lanka Director Sri Lanka Business Suranga Marasinghe, and NBRO Scientist Wimukthi Sumanasekara 

Second row (From left): Galle Heritage Foundation Project Manager Roshan Ranasinghe, EDOTCO Services Lanka Senior Executive – Operations Rushen Wathuthanthiri, Senior Analyst – Key Account Mgt. Prabha Perera, Manager – New Business Savani Dissanayake, Manager – Engineering and Operations Nalaka Wijemanna, and Rushini Fonseka from EDOTCO Services Lanka

Municipal Council Galle Member Manoj Withanage, Galle Heritage Foundation Director Asanga Udula Dharmadasa, EDOTCO Group Sdn. Bhd., Group Director – Governance, Risk and Compliance Azzahraa Annuar, and other dignitaries who graced the occasion, formally declaring the initiative ‘live’

 Inauguration of portal – EDOTCO and NBRO Officials explaining how the air quality data can be accessed and monitored on ‘real-time’ as well as ‘filtered’ basis

In a significant step towards sustainability and smart city innovation, EDOTCO Services Lanka Ltd., (EDOTCO Sri Lanka) has launched its first public-private environmental collaboration at the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This initiative is undertaken in partnership with the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Galle Heritage Foundation. 

An advanced air pollution monitoring sensor was installed on one of EDOTCO’s smart multipurpose lamp poles, providing real-time air quality data specific to the area. This data will play a crucial role in supporting public health protection, climate resilience, and data-driven urban planning, directly contributing to Sri Lanka’s broader environmental and sustainability goals. 

Key attendees at the launch included Galle Urban Council Minister Manoj Withanage, Galle Heritage Foundation Director Asanga Dharmadasa, CEA Senior Environment Officer K. G. Indrasena, and NBRO’s Environmental Monitoring team scientists N.D.C. Lakmal and Wimukthi Sumanasekara.

“EDOTCO’s solutions are grounded in sustainable innovations,” said EDOTCO Sri Lanka Country Managing Director Gayan Koralage. “Our smart pole infrastructure is designed not only to support telecommunications but also to serve broader public needs – from lighting and surveillance to environmental monitoring. This is about shared responsibility and collective action.”

EDOTCO Group Group Director of Governance Risk and Compliance Azzahraa Annuar added, “This collaboration reflects our belief that digital infrastructure must do more than connect people. It must also safeguard our environment and support national development. While this pilot is a promising start, true sustainability lies in scale. We hope to see similar deployments across Sri Lanka.”

Globally, smart poles equipped with environmental sensors are becoming critical components of climate resilient urban infrastructure. As cities prepare for impacts of climate change, real time data is essential to inform timely interventions and preserve community wellbeing. Market projections indicate global investments in smart pole technologies are set to rise from $ 10.8 billion in 2022 to over $ 132 billion by 2030, reinforcing the growing relevance and necessity of such solutions. 

“This initiative will not only benefit residents but also tourists who visit Galle Fort,” said Galle Heritage Foundation Director Asanga Dharmadasa. “We hope to make air quality data publicly accessible in the near future, supporting responsible tourism and environmental awareness.”

Supporting national priorities and global goals

This project directly aligns with Sri Lanka’s vision for a ‘Clean and Green Nation’ and supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also contributes to the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), including commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5% by 2030 and increase the share of renewable energy in electricity generation to 70%.

By integrating environmental monitoring into heritage-rich urban zones like Galle Fort, the initiative adds a vital layer of protection and foresight to preserve cultural landmarks while enabling smart, sustainable growth. 

A model for future collaboration

This pioneering collaboration sets a strong precedent for how public institutions and private sector players can come together to address environmental challenges through smart infrastructure. EDOTCO Sri Lanka hopes this pilot effort in Galle will be the first of many such partnerships to come, building cleaner, smarter, and more resilient communities across the nation.