National Environmental Week begins today – multiple environmental conservation programmes launched across the country
The National Environmental Week, organised in line with World Environment Day, commenced today (30).
As the inaugural programme, a sapling planting and distribution initiative of 28 sacred Bodhi trees was held this morning at Sri Wapikaramaya Temple, Petiyagoda, Malkona, marking Vesak Poya Day.
Aligned with the global theme “Urgent Climate Action,” Sri Lanka is commemorating World Environment Day this year under the vision of a “Sustainable Biosphere – a Green and Evergreen Life,” with the theme “Let It Grow.”
The National Environmental Week will be observed from May 30 to June 5. During this period, various programmes will be implemented focusing on environmental awareness, cleanliness, air pollution control, biodiversity conservation, water resource protection, and coastal cleaning activities.
Special attention has been given to restoring watershed areas and ecosystems in the central hill country, as well as building an environmentally resilient system capable of withstanding future climate challenges.
An awareness programme on the impacts of climate change and air pollution will be held at the Ministry of Environment on June 1. On the same day, a conservation programme for Diyawanna Oya and the distribution of new tractors to the Department of Wildlife Conservation will also take place.
Additional initiatives include the opening of the Hambantota District Water Resources Board office, the launch of the Ridiyagama Butterfly Garden and its website, and conservation activities at Veeraketiya “Kuda Bubula” spring along with water quality awareness programmes.
Furthermore, an exhibition of medicinal plants and a programme to distribute electric carts will be held on June 4 at the Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Peradeniya and the Joint Water Technology Research and Demonstration Centre (JRDC) of Sri Lanka is also scheduled to be signed.
Under the “Let It Grow” national programme, 81 forest areas covering more than 63,000 hectares have already been declared as protected reserves. In conjunction with World Environment Day, an additional five forest areas are expected to be declared as protected.
The Ministry of Environment has emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government, private sector, youth, and civil society in environmental conservation efforts.
The Ministry also expects public participation in building a sustainable future through tree planting, reducing plastic usage, promoting renewable energy, and advancing digital transformation.
