Army Supports Coastal Conservation Efforts through Tree Planting Campaign in Thiriyaya

In a continued effort to preserve Sri Lanka’s natural environment, the Sri Lanka Army has extended its support to the national "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative by launching a large-scale tree planting campaign along the Thiriyaya coastline. This environmental drive, organized under the guidance of the Commander of the Army and spearheaded by the Air Mobile Brigade, aims to plant 2,000 casuarina trees as a long-term measure to protect coastal ecosystems.

This initiative, conceptualized by the Commander of the Air Mobile Brigade to mark the 31st Brigade Day, reflects the Army’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The first phase of the program was successfully conducted on 04 May 2025 with the participation of several key stakeholders, including the Brigade Commander of the Air Mobile Brigade, the Assistant Secretary of the Kuchchaveli Pradeshiya Sabha, and officers from the Forest Conservation Department. Approximately 200 personnel from the 1st Battalion of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (1 VIR) actively took part in the event, demonstrating the Army’s hands-on involvement in environmental conservation.

During this initial phase, 500 casuarina saplings were planted across a strategic section of the Thiriyaya coastal belt, a region identified as highly susceptible to erosion and environmental degradation. The casuarina trees, known for their ability to stabilize sandy soils and act as windbreaks, are expected to play a vital role in protecting the coastline and enhancing the area’s biodiversity.