EDOTCO Sri Lanka Leads First Environmental Tech Collaboration at Galle Fort

EDOTCO Sri Lanka collaborates with government and heritage bodies to deliver real-time air quality insights through smart infrastructure.

Galle, Sri Lanka, 13th August, 2025; In a significant step towards sustainability and smart city innovation, EDOTCO Services Lanka (Private) Limited (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 Organization (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 Mr Manoj Withanage, Minister of Galle Urban Council, Mr Asanga Dharmadasa, Director Galle Heritage Foundation, Mr K G Indrasena, Senior Environment Officer of Central Environmental Authority,  and scientists from NBRO’s Environmental Monitoring team, Mr. N.D.C. Lakmal and Mr Wimukthi Sumanasekara.

“EDOTCO’s solutions are grounded in sustainable innovations,” said Gayan Koralage, Country Managing Director of EDOTCO Sri Lanka. “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.”

Datin Azzahraa Annuar, Group Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance at EDOTCO Group, 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 climateresilient 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 USD 10.8 billion in 2022 to over USD 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 Mr. Asanga Dharmadasa, Director, Galle Heritage Foundation. “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.

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

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

Image Caption : 

1st row – Left to right

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

2nd row – Left to right

Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe (Project Manager - Galle Heritage Foundation), Mr. Rushen Wathuthanthiri (Senior Executive, Operations - EDOTCO Services Lanka Private Limited) , Prabha Perera (Senior Analyst, Key Account Mgt - EDOTCO Services Lanka Private Limited), Savani Dissanayake (Manager, New Business - EDOTCO Services Lanka Private Limited), Nalaka Wijemanna ( Manager, Engineering and Operations - EDOTCO Services Lanka Private Limited) and Rushini Fonseka (EDOTCO Services Lanka Private Limited)