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

Galle, Sri Lanka, 8 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 climate-resilient urban infrastructure. As cities prepare for the 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.

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 USD 10.8 billion in 2022 to over USD 132 billion by 2030 2, 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 Clean and Green Nation vision 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%2

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.

About EDOTCO Group
Established in 2012, EDOTCO Group is the leading digital connectivity infrastructure services company in Asia, providing end-to-end integrated solutions in the tower services sector. Its mission is to help nations across Asia to advance their connectivity infrastructure with leading-edge solutions and achieve equitable connectivity.

With a portfolio of over 47,000 towers across nine countries, the company is present in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Laos - fulfilling connectivity demands innovatively and sustainably to help its customers and partners accelerate sustainable growth. EDOTCO priorities prudent portfolio expansion for organic and inorganic opportunities that carry the right scale, economics, and returns for its shareholders.

EDOTCO Group was named Asia Pacific Telecoms Tower Company of the Year for six consecutive years by Frost & Sullivan and was recognized as one of three ASEAN Unicorns based in Malaysia.
For more information, visit edotcogroup.com