S-lon joins ‘Foxhill Green’ reforestation initiative

Capital Maharaja Organisation Group Director S.C. Weerasekera (Left) planting a tree, a gift of nearly immeasurable value, at the ‘Foxhill Green’ Reforestation Project

S-lon Lanka Ltd., the pioneer and market leader of thermoplastic water management systems in Sri Lanka, as part of its CSR initiative joined hands with the Security Force Headquarters – Central (SFHQ-C) to initiate the first phase of the Diyatalawa ‘Foxhill Green’ Reforestation Project at ‘Foxhill’ mountain range Diyatalawa at a colourful ceremony recently.

This is an extension of the on-going ‘S-lon Diyasara Student Circle’ project initiated to educate and create awareness of environmental concerns and the need for water conservation amongst students, the future generation of Sri Lanka.

The Foxhill Green Reforestation Project was initiated with the objective to preserve the ecological system in the ‘Foxhill’ area which is rich in natural diversity but under threat due to increased human activities such as encroachment, deforestation and natural calamities like soil erosion. The launch ceremony was followed by a Foxhill Green Walk in line with this initiative with the support of stake agencies, school children and Tri services personnel. The inauguration ceremony took place amidst the presence of Major General Sumedha Perera, Commander, SFHQ-C, S.C. Weerasekera, Group Director, Capital Maharaja Organisation Ltd., Yasarath Kamalsiri, Director/General Manager, Capital Maharaja Organisation Ltd., Major General Mano Perera, Commander, Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Brigadier R.W.W.A.D.B. Rajaguru, Commandant, SLMA and several other senior executives from S-lon Lanka.

A total of 550 Tri-service personnel and the Police, 75 civil sector environmental activists, 40 school students and invited guests joined the Foxhill Walk from the Polo grounds at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA). Major General SumedhaPerera, Commander, SFHQ-C flagged off the event and joined the walk with others.

Speaking on the occasion Weerasekera said: “It is not an exaggeration to say that the air we breathe in and breathe out is a consequence of a tree. A tree provides the annual supply of oxygen that is enough for 10 people. Thus, if we think for a moment, for every tree that is cut down today, the supply of oxygen to 10 people will also be reduced. Can we afford to destroy trees?”

Weerasekera further stated the importance of nurturing the project. He said that “When there is a project, there is a start. However, there is no continuation. We need to have focus on the saplings that we plant today until they become trees of great size. We must not limit this reforestration program only to Foxhill and we need to take this program national. This will benefit the future generation in a great way.”

Major General Sumedha Perera in his speech underlined the importance of preserving the ecological balance in the area for the sake of our future generations as well as those still serving the armed forces. He further reminded that Diyatalawa is the home for thousands of officers in tri-services and that it should be preserved. He also thanked the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva for taking a personal interest in the project and his support.

A total of 1,200 tree saplings such as Kamaranka, Kumbuk, Mee, Ambul Pera, Jak, etc. were planted in most wanted areas of the range of nearly 2,300 acres where a number of sports and racing events of the Army and services take place throughout the year.

S-lon Lanka was awarded with an appreciative memento by the SFHQ-C Commander for their commitment and support towards this worthy project.