Conservation efforts achieve their greatest impact when translated into direct field action. In this spirit, the Ananda College Wildlife Association and the Wildlife Society of Trinity College, Kandy, jointly organised Thalassa ’26, an initiative that brought together young environmentalists for a programme centred on coastal restoration, education and interactive forest-based learning.
Phase I: Mangrove Restoration in Puttalam
The initiative commenced in Puttalam, where the student committee of the Trinity College Wildlife Society was joined by 40 members of the Ananda College Wildlife Association for a mangrove planting exercise. With the support of the Turtle Conservation Project, participants received expert guidance on proper planting techniques, the ecological significance of mangrove ecosystems, and the importance of their continued maintenance and protection.
Phase II: Activity Day in Kandy
The second phase was held at the Junior School of Trinity College and the Udawattekele Nature Reserve. Students from Mahamaya Girls’ College, Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Hillwood College, Kandy, Dharmaraja College, Kandy, Ranabima Royal College, Kandy, and St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy, participated in a pre-planned trail featuring a series of conservation-focused activities.
These included sound identification, in which participants recognised local bird and animal calls along the trail; environmental quizzes assessing their knowledge of wildlife and biodiversity; the Wildlife Kim’s Game, a scout-inspired memory exercise adapted for species identification and conducted at the Forest Conservation Centre; and team presentations on environmental themes. An ongoing photography contest also gave participants an opportunity to document the event.
Thalassa ’26 concluded as a successful and productive collaboration, providing participants with valuable practical experience and reinforcing the conservation networks that connect them.
Acknowledgements
The organisers extend their sincere gratitude to Mr Krishanthan Anthonydas, Vice-Principal of Trinity College; Mr Wasana Dissanayake, Director of TCCEI; Mrs Sulekshme Bambaradeniya, Teacher-in-Charge of the Trinity College Wildlife Society; and Mrs Nilanka Wijendra, Teacher-in-Charge of the Ananda College Wildlife Association, for their invaluable support and guidance.
Appreciation is also extended to the officials of Ananda College for their contribution to making this initiative possible.
Written by Wosanda Malaviarachchi (President, Trinity College Wildlife Society)
