YMCA launches tree planting programme

The YMCA Tree Planting Programme was launched by Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dhiloraj Ranjith Canagasabe on September 17 at the Cathedral compound, Bauddaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 by planting a 'Diosphyros Ebenum' (Kaluwara) tree.

The tree planting programme is conducted to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Council of the YMCA of Sri Lanka.

Bishop Canagasabe said the YMCA has chosen an appropriate and relevant activity to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka when the country is in need of millions of trees to sustain its eco-system.

He further thanked God for the eco-system and was pleased to note that this event will be the beginning of a long journey. He also thanked the YMCA for its yeoman service to the community and requested to expand this programme to all parts of the country. The Bishop made a special request from the YMCA to plant trees in the central hills, North and East as many trees have been destroyed.

National General Secretary of the National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka Lakshan Dias said through the YMCA's tree planting programme it is intended to mobilize around 5,000 youth and plant 500,000 trees in Sri Lanka within three months from September to December 2012. The YMCA also expects to build awareness among the community, especially, among the youth on the importance of having sufficient plants on our planet. They plan to conduct educational and awareness programmes on climate change and global warming in parallel to the tree planting programme. The YMCA branches in Point Pedro, Kalmunai and Pamunugama also conducted tree planting programmes on the same day.