The highly anticipated ClimateClick Mobile Photography Competition concluded its 2024 edition with an impressive showcase of talent and creativity, capturing the essence of climate awareness through the lens of mobile photography. Organized by the Centre for Media and Information Literacy in collaboration with the Story Café, the competition aimed to engage photographers of school and university ages in highlighting the pressing issues of climate change and environmental preservation.

As a commemoration of the World Environment Day falling on the 5^th of June, the Participants of the competition were encouraged to submit photos that depicted the impact of climate change, sustainable practices, and the beauty of nature. The winners were selected under the popular photography category which encouraged the audience to assess the photographs based on creativity, composition, and the ability to convey a powerful message.

The most popular prize under the School Category was awarded to Mathavarajah Nithurshan from Carmel Fathima College, Kalmunai for his stunning image of an elephant finding food in a polluted environment, symbolizing pollution and the need for renewal. Under the University Category, Chamal Chandana from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, secured first place for his photograph on Sunset in a city.  The first runner-up, Asha Jayasri from the University of Colombo, showcased the Sri Lankan coastal areas facing rising sea levels. The second runner-up, Savindu Yasara from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, showcased the beauty of nature integrating water, sunset and entertainment.  

CMIL’s Director, Mr. M.B.M. Fairooz, praised the participants, stating, “The ClimateClick Mobile Photography Competition has once again demonstrated the power of visual storytelling in raising awareness about climate change. These remarkable photographs remind us of the urgent need to act and inspire us to protect our planet.”

All the photographs were featured in an online gallery in CMIL Social Media pages, aiming to educate and inspire communities worldwide. The competition not only celebrated World Environment Day, but also praised the artistic talent of these young photographers reinforcing the global commitment to combating climate change through collective action and awareness.