A tree planting campaign under the theme 'Prevent disaster through greenery' conducted by officers of the Sri Lanka Army Security Forces Headquarters West gets underway at Preethipura beach, Wattala on September 7.
The programme is supported by the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Department, Forest Conservation Department, ecologists and environmentalists, SFHQ West Commander Major General Ubaya Medawala told a press briefing yesterday.
He said the programme 'Prevent disaster through greenery' is to support the national tasks to protect the environment.
"The Army has always acted to protect the nation from any harm. This time we have come forward to protect the environment. It is no doubt a timely need as environment pollution causes many problems in the society directly and indirectly," Medawala said.
The programme has already commenced in some inland areas. Saplings of many varieties to suit the environment and weather have been distributed. The programme was implemented through divisional district secretaries. The projects continue without a time frame once they begin on September 7 where nearly 100,000 saplings will be planted, he said.
"The programme to protect the environment, specially tree planting campaigns, were initiated by the Army a few years ago," Medawala said.
"Six months ago our Division Commanders discussed about the increase in pollution in the island due to a rise in the number of vehicles every year. We believed planting of saplings could save us," Medawala said.
He said Puttalam, Kurunegala, Kegalle, Gampaha, Colombo, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara districts have been selected under the first phase of the programme.
"We selected these district as 55 percent of the population live in these area and due to rapid urbanisation," Medawala said. Fruit and timber saplings will be planted. The trees planted will be looked after by the Army for three months and then will be taken care by the residents, he said.
Military Spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera said it will be the duty of the public to care for the saplings. (Courtesy : Daily News)
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