The Army recently initiated an island-wide project (Thuruliya Wenuwen Api) to assist the reforestation of the Wilpattu National Park and launched planting of more than 10,000 saplings of rare species. The enthusiasm for this project increased when many civilians and groups volunteered to donate financially in order to ‘save the Wilapttu forest’.
The environmental societies of Trinity College have decided to provide 2000 plants (Siyambala, Kohomba, Divul, Weera, Kolon, Kumbuk etc.) along with other necessary requirements to the Sri Lanka Army for reforestation of Wilpattu.
Lions backup Wilpattu
The project “Lions backup Wilpattu” is lead by the Edexcel AL students of Trinity and is currently being supported by all the students and staff of the school.
The school will be assisting the Sri Lanka Army for replanting, watering and monitoring so that the plants are cared for and maintained.
Presentations in connection with the project were conducted at all three assemblies starting from 10th of June. The main focus of this presentation was to educate the students about the deforestation and to collect funds in order to make this project a success.
Tickets (Rs 100/- each) are now being sold for students in the school in support of the project.
Wilpattu National Park
There are many environmental activists, organizations and individuals who are battling to protect this special ecosystem from illegal settlements and deforestation.
At present, it is evident that forest clearing is being carried out within the Vilaththaimulam Forest Reserve , which was declared in 2012 under the Forest Ordinance. The extent of clearing is approximately 700 acres. In addition, the clearing of forest in the Kallaru Forest Reserve is clearly visible, in violation of the Forest Ordinance and National Environment Act (NEA).
Cost of Project
[ninja_tables id=”10902″]We also invite our old boys and the outside community to help us make this project a success. Donations are most welcome!
Those who wish to contribute can contact the project committee via [email protected]
“I understand my comrades of the woods,
And they know me completely. Not an oak
But is my brother, strong, reserved, sincere.
Along the happy, peaceful forest ways
That wind so intimately through the trees
I hold a calm communion with my friends,
The pines and gentle birches. Day by day
Insensibly the bond is closer drawn
With beckonings of branches, waftitures
Of subtle fragrance, melodies of birds,
Flickers of sunlight on the level leaves,
A thousand sweet enchantments pure and good.”
