Simultaneously, islandwide tree planting programs were launched, while the main ceremony was held at the residence of the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera at Angunakolapelessa.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa presented a white sandalwood sapling to Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera at his Carlton residence in Tangalle yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Anunayake General Secretary of the Sri Rohana Maha Sangha Sabha, Ven. Panditha Most Ven. Omare Kassapa Thera commenced a programme to plant 100,000 coconut saplings islandwide from the Narahenpita Abhayarama Temple today (16).
Coconut planting was commenced at the auspicious time of planting under the patronage of Ven. Murutthettuwe Ananda Thero.
Retired Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera, Minister of Public Security was also present at the occasion.He said that the drones would identify the perpetrators and take action to prevent further destruction with the assistance of the Air Force.
A distribution of plants was held in the vicinity of the Hanwella - Labugama - Idikada reserve yesterday under the patronage of the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon to provide for the planting of trees.
In line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's national policy framework, Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour, the Police department also directed a programme to plant Mee plants and Kumbuk plants throughout the Colombo District.