Tree Planting Campaign to Restore the Mahaweli Riverbank
In commemoration of World Environment Day on 5 June, the University of Peradeniya, in collaboration with the Environmental and Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, launched a large-scale tree planting campaign aimed at restoring and conserving the Mahaweli Riverbank within the university premises following the adverse impacts of the DITWA Cyclone. The programme was jointly conducted under the leadership of the University of Peradeniya and the Environmental and Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, bringing together university staff, students, and environmental conservation professionals in a shared effort to rehabilitate the riverine ecosystem.
The initiative focused on strengthening the ecological resilience of the Mahaweli Riverbank through the establishment of 1,000 native forest tree species. The selected species—Mee (Madhuca longifolia), Karanda (Pongamia pinnata), and Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna)—were well known for their ability to stabilize riverbanks and enhance biodiversity.
The programme was jointly organized by the University Landscape Division and the Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CES) of the University of Peradeniya, together with the Environmental and Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.
The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Professor Terrance Madhujith, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Rangith Pallegama, Director of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability Dr. Nalin Suranjith, Acting Registrar Mr. K. A. B. Damunupola, Bursar Mr. A.M.N.B. Arampath, and Curator Mr. Asantha Bandara. A large number of university students also actively participated in the planting campaign, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Representing the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka were Mr. Prasanna Jayathilake, Director of the Environmental and Forest Conservation Division, Mrs. Sumithra Balasooriya, Deputy Director, and Mrs. Nilmini Ekanayake, Assistant Director, who joined the university community in this important conservation effort.
The Mahaweli River is one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable natural resources, and its protection is essential for maintaining ecological balance, water quality, and biodiversity. The DITWA Cyclone caused significant disturbances to sections of the riverbank ecosystem within the university premises. This collaborative initiative represented a significant step towards rehabilitating affected areas while promoting environmental awareness among students and the wider community.
Through partnerships such as this, the University of Peradeniya continued to demonstrate its commitment to environmental conservation, sustainability, and the protection of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage for future generations.
The initiative focused on strengthening the ecological resilience of the Mahaweli Riverbank through the establishment of 1,000 native forest tree species. The selected species—Mee (Madhuca longifolia), Karanda (Pongamia pinnata), and Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna)—were well known for their ability to stabilize riverbanks and enhance biodiversity.
The programme was jointly organized by the University Landscape Division and the Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CES) of the University of Peradeniya, together with the Environmental and Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.
The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Professor Terrance Madhujith, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Rangith Pallegama, Director of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability Dr. Nalin Suranjith, Acting Registrar Mr. K. A. B. Damunupola, Bursar Mr. A.M.N.B. Arampath, and Curator Mr. Asantha Bandara. A large number of university students also actively participated in the planting campaign, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Representing the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka were Mr. Prasanna Jayathilake, Director of the Environmental and Forest Conservation Division, Mrs. Sumithra Balasooriya, Deputy Director, and Mrs. Nilmini Ekanayake, Assistant Director, who joined the university community in this important conservation effort.
The Mahaweli River is one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable natural resources, and its protection is essential for maintaining ecological balance, water quality, and biodiversity. The DITWA Cyclone caused significant disturbances to sections of the riverbank ecosystem within the university premises. This collaborative initiative represented a significant step towards rehabilitating affected areas while promoting environmental awareness among students and the wider community.
Through partnerships such as this, the University of Peradeniya continued to demonstrate its commitment to environmental conservation, sustainability, and the protection of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage for future generations.