Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki said that the Ministry of Environment highly appreciates the Husma Dena Thuru Tree Planting Program launched by Sri Lanka to enhance Sri Lanka’s forest cover.
A discussion between the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera and the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E.Mizukoshi Hideaki was held at the Minister’s official residence yesterday (24) afternoon.
At that time, the Minister of Environment explained how Sri Lanka has planned its environmental work in accordance with the International Environmental Charter. In particular, the Minister outlined the plans to increase Sri Lanka’s forest cover to 30 percent by 2030, as well as the programs being implemented for a carbon-free Sri Lanka.
Under the Husma Dena Thuru National Tree Planting Program, a national auspicious time has been set for the planting of saplings on April 18 this year at 11.16 am on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival.
The Minister said that his aim was to get 5.2 million families from all over the island to contribute to the tree planting and that steps have been taken to carry out this auspicious ritual called ‘ Nekathata Pelayak’. The Minister said that last year too, around one million saplings were planted in the country under the ‘Nakata Pelayak’ program. Arrangements have also been made to send fruit seedlings to all embassies in Sri Lanka this year.
The Minister said that the first sapling would be presented to the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki was presented with a Na sapling (Iron Wood Sapling) .
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador said that he would be staying in Sri Lanka during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and would invite everyone in his Embassy to participate in the Nekathata Pelayak ‘ program on April 18.
He said the Japanese people are known around the world as people who love the environment, adding that a tree is a living thing and that planting a tree is the responsibility of everyone in a Buddhist country like Sri Lanka.
Mizukoshi Hideaki also said that his country was ready to extend its support for the success of the Husma Dena Thuru program that has been implemented to increase Sri Lanka’s forest cover.
Friday, March 25, 2022 – 09:46