24th December 2021 05:20:22 Hours
Troops of the 53 Division as pioneer military elements of the Reserve Strike Force (RSF), now serving under the 1 Corps HQ at Iranamadu, Kilinochchi, showing their highest regard for the conservation of environment, have planted and nurtured 402 red sandalwood plants inside the 53 Division HQ compound at Inamaluwa, Habarana.
The sandalwood tree, alarmingly endangered due to illegal trading and overexploitation to meet the rising global demands for indigenous medicine and the cosmetic industry has been now inducted into the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to being vulnerable to extinction.
It was Major General Maithree Dias (Retd), the 21st General Officer Commanding of the 53 Division (RSF) took the initiative in this regard and planted the first sapling of this rare plant within the Divisional Headquarters premises after importation of 500 saplings from India on 29 October 2015 with the assistance of Mr N.K.G.K Nammawatta, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment at that time.
As of today, 402 Red Sandalwood plants have grown up to the height of over 16 feet and all successive General Officers Commanding and staff at the 53 Division HQ, considering the national value took all possible measures to nurture and protect them as one of the essential tasks of the HQ. The dedicated staff continues to supervise, maintain and protect these plantations daily for the purpose of conservation.
This plantation plot constitutes the highest number of Red Sandalwood plants found in one specific location in the country.
