Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading weft knitted fabric manufacturer, has marked another significant milestone in its environmental sustainability journey with the successful completion of Phase 02 of its rainforest restoration initiative near the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
Ten months ago, under the Cinnamon Rainforest Conservation Project, Ocean Lanka joined hands with the Environmental Technology Society of the University of Colombo, Greenwood Growers, and other conservation partners to plant native saplings in Waddagala, Ratnapura, bordering the iconic Sinharaja Rainforest. What began as a reforestation effort with fragile two-foot-tall seedlings has evolved into a thriving restoration project, with many saplings now reaching nearly four feet in height and contributing to the regeneration of one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically significant rainforest ecosystems.
Building on the success of Phase 01, the Company recently completed Phase 02 of the restoration programme under the Dilmah Conservation Restoration Project in Delwala, Ratnapura. In addition to expanding restoration activities, the latest phase focused on monitoring the ecological recovery of the replanted landscape, where young native trees are already helping stabilize soil, encourage natural regeneration, and create habitats for returning wildlife.
The project has delivered encouraging results, with more than 85% of the saplings planted during the initial phase surviving and thriving despite challenging dry weather conditions experienced earlier this year. Native canopy species have shown strong growth, while birds and small mammals have gradually begun returning to the restored corridor. Volunteers and local communities have played a vital role throughout the process by protecting saplings, removing invasive species, and supporting the natural recovery of the land.
As part of the broader restoration programme, nearly 22,000 native trees have been planted to date. Biodiversity monitoring has also recorded significant improvements across the restoration zone. Faunal diversity has increased from 189 to 251 species, including a notable rise in butterfly populations, while native flora diversity has expanded from 92 to 123 species.
The restoration effort is guided by scientific monitoring methods, including permanent sampling plots, belt transects, and biodiversity tracking, ensuring measurable environmental outcomes and supporting the long-term recovery of the rainforest ecosystem. The project continues to demonstrate that with the right interventions, community support, and sustained commitment, degraded rainforest landscapes can successfully regenerate and flourish.
Classic Travel Reinforces Commitment to Grassroots Sports Through Mackly Impact Basketball League 2026 Sponsorship
Classic Travel, the travel and tourism arm of Expolanka Holdings, has reinforced its commitment to youth development and local sports by partnering with the IImpact Basketball League 2026 as the Official Travel Partner and Team Owner for the period January 2026 to January 2027.
This partnership reflects Classic Travel’s continued efforts to support initiatives that foster the growth of young talent in Sri Lanka, extending its impact beyond the travel sector into community development and sports empowerment.
IImpact Hoop Lab, the organisation behind the league, has rapidly emerged as a leading basketball training academy in Sri Lanka. Catering to athletes from the age of three through to adult and professional-level players, the academy focuses on holistic athlete development through skill-building, motivation, education, and performance enhancement. The IImpact Basketball League 2026 serves as a competitive platform for these athletes to showcase their abilities while promoting a structured, growth-oriented sporting environment.
Commenting on the partnership, Sabry Bahaudeen, Director – Expolanka Leisure Cluster, said: “At Classic Travel, we believe in supporting initiatives that create long-term value for communities. Our partnership with the IImpact Basketball League is an extension of that commitment, as we continue to invest in platforms that empower young talent and encourage growth through sport. It is inspiring to see the work being done to develop basketball at a grassroots level, and we are proud to be part of that journey.”
Through this collaboration, Classic Travel aims to play a meaningful role in nurturing the next generation of athletes by supporting a structured pathway for development and exposure. By aligning with a fast-growing platform such as IImpact Hoop Lab, Classic Travel continues to reinforce its commitment to Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape, contributing not only to the growth of the game but also to the development of the people behind it.
Ocean Lanka Successfully Completes Phase 02 of Rainforest Restoration Initiative Near Sinharaja Forest Reserve
