“There is now widespread public awareness about the importance of planting trees. However, we must also develop a sense of responsibility to continuously care for and maintain the trees that are planted. Only if such responsibility exists can we truly achieve, at least to some extent, the purpose of observing World Environment Day,” stated the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
A special event to plant 300 tree saplings was successfully held this morning – on Friday 05 June 2026, in the Umaiyalpuram Grama Niladhari Division under the Kandawalai Divisional Secretariat in Kilinochchi District, in commemoration of World Environment Day. The large-scale tree planting initiative was officially inaugurated by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, who attended as the Chief Guest.
The environmental conservation programme was jointly organized by the Kandawalai Divisional Secretariat and the residents of Umaiyalpuram village, with sponsorship provided by Nila Impact. The initiative was carried out under the profound theme, “’Destruction of trees is like man squeezing his own lungs with his own hands’,” while also emphasizing awareness messages such as “One Tree, A Thousand Benefits” and “Plant a Tree Today, Save a World Tomorrow.”
Speaking further at the event, the Hon. Governor stated:
“The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is ‘Be Inspired by Nature: For the Climate, For Our Future.’ Through this, we aim to address climate change, protect natural resources, and create a greener environment.
Today, we are facing major climatic changes largely because of the destruction of natural resources. We are all trapped in an increasingly unpredictable climate situation. Therefore, conserving and protecting natural resources and fostering a green revolution will provide the best opportunity to hand over a prosperous planet to future generations.”
Addressing the gathering thereafter, the Government Agent/District Secretary of Kilinochchi, S. Muralitharan, stated:
“Illegal sand mining and deforestation continue to take place within our district. These are extremely destructive activities that severely damage our environment. Our forefathers sacrificed their lives to protect this land and worked tirelessly to preserve its resources. If we fail to safeguard these natural resources now, nothing meaningful will remain for future generations.”
As part of the event, tree saplings were distributed to school students. Subsequently, saplings were planted along the sides of the A-9 main road. In addition, a large-scale community clean-up campaign in the Paranthan town area was also launched during the programme.
Alongside the Hon. Governor, those who participated in planting the saplings included Kilinochchi District Secretary S. Muralitharan, Kandawalai Divisional Secretary T. Pirunthakaran, Hon. Chairman of the Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabha A. Velamalikithan, Kilinochchi North Zonal Director of Education Sivanarulraja, Commanding Officer of the Kilinochchi 553 Brigade Brigadier Mudunayake, and Chairman of Nila Impact, J. Srishankar.
It is noteworthy that a large number of Divisional Secretariat officials, students, and residents of Umaiyalpuram village enthusiastically participated in this initiative, which was undertaken with the noble objective of creating a greener future.
