Sri Lanka Holds “Together We Grow” Tree-Planting Events in Three Regions to Mark Independence Day

 

 

On February 4, Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, citizen-led tree-planting activities were held simultaneously in three regions: Moratuwa near the capital Colombo, Kandy, and Jaffna. More than 350 participants—including government officials, youth groups, civil society organizations, and local residents— joined the initiative, planting over 320 trees in total.

The program was organized and hosted by HWPL Sri Lanka Branch to promote environmental stewardship, strengthen community cooperation, and advance sustainable peace through practical action.

 

 

Three Different Regions, One Shared Action: Moratuwa, Kandy, and Jaffna

The initiative unfolded across three Sri Lankan regions with distinct social and historical backgrounds. In Moratuwa, in the western region near Colombo, local government authorities and civil society groups collaborated to plant trees. In Minipe, Kandy, in the central region, youth and local community members joined together in the tree-planting efforts. In Jaffna, in the northern region—an area rebuilding after past conflict—government and civil society worked in cooperation to carry out the activity.

 

 

At the event held at Lunawa Lagoon in Moratuwa, Moratuwa Mayor Nishantha Ferdinando attended as a keynote speaker. “Protecting the environment and encouraging citizen participation are essential elements of sustainable development in local communities,” said Mayor Ferdinando. “When policy efforts by local governments are combined with voluntary participation from civil society, local environmental management can be sustained effectively over the long term.” Mayor Ferdinando also expressed his expectation for continued cooperation in the future. On that day, 70 trees were planted around Lunawa Lagoon, and an additional 50 saplings were distributed to local residents.

In Minipe, Kandy, more than 80 young people planted trees near the Mahaweli River. The initiative highlighted youth leadership, environmental responsibility, and international peace cooperation. Participants also discussed future collaboration between local authorities and civil society.

 

 

In Jaffna, Francis Chandra Sathiyasothi, divisional secretary of the Chavakkacheri Divisional Secretariat, attended the event. He expressed his support for HWPL’s peace initiatives and reaffirmed his commitment to continued cooperation. During the event, HWPL Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with local civil society organizations to further strengthen long-term collaboration.

HWPL Sri Lanka noted that the initiative was significant in laying a foundation for local communities to actively engage in environmental stewardship and shared responsibility. It stated that the program contributed to strengthening cooperation between government institutions and civil society, expanding youth participation, advancing community-based environmental initiatives, and fostering long-term partnerships. HWPL Sri Lanka plans to further expand its environmental protection and peacebuilding efforts through continued community engagement.