Colombo: A discussion on the initial stage of the ‘Greenway’ – ‘A Breath for the Nation – Shade for the Road’ Roadside Tree Planting Programme, which aims to plant one million trees along roadsides under the coordination of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning, under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
According to News.LK, special attention was given to securing broad public participation in the project. Extensive discussions were held on obtaining the active participation of communities living along roadsides, school communities, the private sector, entrepreneurs, and government institutions.
Attention was also focused on planting species suitable for the respective ecological zones along Class A and Class B roads under the Road Development Authority. It was decided to use a wide range of tree species, including Murutha, Palu, Bulu, Tamarind, Mal Ehela, Rajarata Ehela, Magul Karanda, Maila, Pihimbiya, Madatiya, Goraka, Divul, Atamba, Na, Kohomba, Robosia, Kalu Mediriya, Dan, Veralu, Katu Anoda, Jackfruit, Mango, Pethan, Mee, Kumbuk, Atamba, and Beli.
Special attention was also given to protecting the newly planted trees through the installation of protective guard mesh. The project aims to reduce air pollution and create a pleasant environment for commuters. It is also expected to help regulate temperatures and enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas in Colombo, Gampaha, Kurunegala, and Galle.
The project plan also includes measures to prevent air pollution in industrial zones such as Biyagama, Katunayake, and Seethawaka, while creating an environment where smoke and pollutants can be naturally absorbed. The Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Department of Forest Conservation, Road Development Authority, Department of National Botanic Gardens, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, and numerous other state and non-state institutions are expected to join this large-scale initiative.
Representing the Clean Sri Lanka Programme, Additional Secretary to the President S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, Coordinating Director Dasun Wijesekara, and Environmental Director Anjula Premarathne participated in the discussion. Coordinators appointed to represent the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, and Sri Lanka Air Force also attended. The Chairmen/Directors General of the Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority, Central Environmental Authority, and Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, as well as the Directors General of the Department of Forest Conservation, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Department of National Botanic Gardens, Department of Agrarian Development, Department of Minor Export Crops, and Department of Export Agriculture, were also present.