Eighth seed bombing mission completed in Labugasdamana

The eighth wave of seed bombing at Labugasdamana Government Forest Reservation in Anuradhapura was began on Monday and Tuesday (30 and 31) together with the Agriculture Faculty at the Peradeniya University, Central Environment Authority and the generous sponsorship of the MAS Holdings by the Sri Lanka Air Force Agro Unit at SLAF Base Katunayake and the Forest Conservation Department to achieve the aim of improving the forest density of Sri Lanka.

The first wave of the mission was executed at the Ranorawa Government forest in a five-acre land area and approximately 5,000 seed bombs were released. During the second wave, 67,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60-acre area inside the forest of Lahugala in Ampara. The third wave which was conducted in December 2020 saw the dropping of approximately 30,000 seed bombs over 25 acres of land area within the Lahugala National Park. The fourth wave was carried out in the Lahugala National Park where 70,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60-acre area. The fifth wave was carried out in the Kebilitta Government Forest Reserve where 80,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 75 acre area. Through the sixth wave, 65,000 seed bombs were dropped over 70 acres of area inside the same forestry at Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat. The seventh wave dropped 100,000 seed bombs around the 80 acres in Wattegama Kebilitta.

The seed bombs comprised native trees such as Kon (Schleicher oleosa), Kohomba (Azadirachtaindica), Maila (Bauhinia racemose), Ma Dan (Syzygiumcumini), Siyambala (Tamarindusindica), Mee (Madhucalongifolia), Palu (Manilkarahexandra), Kumbuk (Terminaliaarjuna), Kayaa (Swieteniamacrophylla), Bulu (Terminaliabelerica), Kithul (Caryotaurens), Munamal (Mimusopselengi), Karanda (Millettiapinnata) and Ketakala (Bridiliaretusa).

The total land area covered by this mission was approximately 50 acres where 80,000 seed bombs were dropped and this mission was planned to coincide with the monsoon rain season as well to maximize its effectiveness. SLAF Base Anuradhapura was utilized as the staging base for this mission as it was 13 Nautical miles from the selected area. The MI – 17 Helicopter which was utilized for this mission was captained by Flight Lieutenant A.N.D. Gunasinghe while the Co-Pilot was Squadron Leader W.N.C.A. Wijesuriya.

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