Wesley College celebrates 150 years by planting 150 trees

Wesley College celebrated its sesquicentennial by planting 150 trees in their school and many other venues in par with other projects like helping out schools in distant areas which have less facilities. The inception of planting trees involving school children was initiated at National Institute of Plantation Management (NIPM) during a committee meeting of the newly formed Foundation of Environmental Sustainability. 

This voluntary group was formed under the leadership of NIPM Director and CEO Dr. Prasad Dharmasena. The committee comprises planters, environmentalists, professionals, nature lovers and naturalists.

The proposal to plant trees as a proactive step in combating global warming with numerous benefits that extends beyond just environmental impact. This initiative not only contributes to carbon sequestration but also fosters environmental stewardship, educates students about sustainability and enhances the overall learning environment. 

Incorporating tree planting in schools and community centres and parks offers an opportunity to educate students and members of communities about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. 

Tree planting initiatives in schools provide opportunities for community engagements and collaborations. They bring together students, teachers, parents and local organisations in a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability. 

Equipped with this valuable information Tyrone Amath, a product of NIPM and a committee member of the FES took this opportunity to Wesley College as an old boy as the school was celebrating the milestone. With the blessings of the Principal Avanka Fernando who proposed to extend the project to other venues as well directed it to the OBU. 

OBU President Capt. Naveen de Silva welcomed the project as an old boy has already proposed a similar idea from overseas. 

Tyrone Amath spearheaded the project with the assistant of Rohan Amarasinghe who is another distinguished old boy and a nature lover. Priya Gunawardhana, a Director of Wanaropa and a committee member of Foundation for Environmental Sustainability (FES) guided them to obtain free plants from the Forest department where the officials visited to inspect the initial locations which came with an awareness programme for school children. The 1st phase of the tree planting got underway in November at the Campbell park with Wesley students, teachers, old boys and gradually extended to Vihara Mahadevi Park, out station schools in Monaragala Buththala Wallawaya, newly formed Crow Island Wana Uyana with the community taking an active role to form a mini forest, SOS villages in Jaffna and Kesbewa, Wesley Primary in Thampola. Sri Jayewardenepura National School Kotte formerly known as CMS Christian

Mission school who celebrated 202 years also joined hands with Wesley by planting many trees in their school premises and school grounds. The final phase was completed on 1 March planting 6 cinnamon trees at the lawn of the Principals bungalow by the distinguished guests who graced the occasion. 

The beauty of this project is each tree planted was entrusted to a student and given the responsibility to monitor and care for 3 years before passing it on to another student. A system will be in place with a QR code to each tree giving details and info which will also be uploaded to a YouTube channel. This system enables the students to check the trees in years to come and share them with others with pride.  After completing the project Capt. Naveen de Silva thanked and appreciated the efforts of everyone involved voluntarily including Tyrone Amath, Rohan Amarasinghe, Razeen Samoon, Dushan Thalagala, Leel Dassanayaka , Mansa Jaan, Priya Gunawardana and Forest Department officials for extending their fullest support to complete this timely project.

– Pix By 

Shehan Gunasekera