Rainforest Trust of Sri Lanka hosts ‘Ceremonial Dedication to the Public of Name Boards of Trees’

The Rainforest Trust of Sri Lanka (RToSL), is a Public Trust registered with the Public Trustee established in 2004 to conserve and restore Sri Lanka’s fragile rainforest ecosystems, successfully hosted a landmark educational and environmental awareness programme titled, ‘Ceremonial Dedication to the Public of Name Boards of Trees’ on 13 June, placed in the Independence Walking Park.

During the Dedication Ceremony, the name boards were formally presented to the public, symbolising a solemn commitment to safeguard Colombo’s century‑old trees. The project aims to serve as a vibrant platform, reconnecting citizens with the city's rich yet often overlooked tree heritage.

The Trust has lately turned its attention to taking the message of conservation to urban dwellers, the largest community in the city of Colombo, through this awareness project. RToSL continues to expand its conservation footprint through strategic land acquisitions and regeneration projects.

The event drew over 150 participants including conservationists, academics, students, media representatives, and members of the public, highlighting the Trust’s growing role in rural and urban conservation. 

Contributing to the shared mission, Hatton National Bank (HNB) partnered with the Rainforest Trust of Sri Lanka, supporting the installation of the name boards for the 52 trees. The contribution reinforced HNB’s commitment to environmental awareness and provided greater visibility for the project.

The ceremonial dedication unveiled scientifically documented name boards for 52 tree species in the Walking Path, each crafted from off‑cuts of wood and inscribed in Sinhala, Tamil, English, and Botanical names. The Botany Society of the Plant Science Division of the University of Colombo identified the different species in the Walking Path, and the name boards are accordingly written.

As part of the awareness sessions, students led discussions on the ecological importance of the identified species, and veteran conservationists delivered talks on Sri Lanka’s bio‑cultural heritage. A LED screen showcased visual clips of RToSL’s protected forest patches, reinforcing the Trust’s mission to inspire a lasting ‘Tree Conscience’ among urban communities. 

Since 2004, the Trust has acquired and protected abandoned tea lands in the Galle District (2004–2007) and abandoned chena lands in the Badulla District (2016–2024). Through continuous conservation efforts, these lands have been allowed to regenerate naturally into forests by safeguarding them from illegal logging, clearing for commercial cultivation, uncontrolled grazing, and illicit gem mining. This protection has enabled the gradual restoration of valuable forest ecosystems in both regions.

The Udakiruwa project, has been recognised for its biodiversity comparable to the Sinharaja Rainforest. These efforts safeguard habitats for endemic flora and fauna, including rare species of Deer (Weli Mua), Purple‑faced Leaf Monkeys, and rare birds such as the Blue Magpie and Sri Lanka’s Whistling Thrush. 

Moreover, the Trust’s lands in the Galle District lie adjacent to the Sinharaja Forest, and those in Badulla are located within the Udakiruwa Valley, home to some of the last remaining mid‑country rainforests of Sri Lanka.

These are now vital refuges for endemic flora and fauna threatened by urbanisation and deforestation. Forest patches in Baddegama, Neluwa, Hiniduma, and Udakiruwa continue to regenerate naturally, significantly contributing to the preservation of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and bio‑cultural heritage.

We are proud to state that the forest patches restored and protected in Baddegama, Neluwa, and Hiniduma in the South, as well as Udakiruwa in Uva, have today developed into forests surpassing typical secondary forest ecosystems. These thriving forest habitats serve as vital refuges for Sri Lanka’s unique flora and fauna, many of which have lost their natural habitats due to urbanisation and infrastructure development, thereby contributing significantly to the conservation of the country’s natural heritage and ecological resilience.

The Trust’s work is made possible through its principal donor todate, the Rainforest Concern UK with additional support provided through funds raised locally, ensuring the continuity and strength of its conservation efforts.

Vajira Silva, Founder Trustee, RToSL, noted, “To see the public engage so deeply with Colombo’s trees is a powerful reminder of how nature can unite us. This recognition is not about fundraising, but about education, awareness, and building a collective responsibility to safeguard Sri Lanka’s bio‑cultural heritage for generations to come.” 

Through initiatives such as ‘Naming the Trees’ and ongoing forest regeneration projects, the Rainforest Trust of Sri Lanka continues to inspire communities, engage youth, and protect biodiversity, ensuring the country’s rainforests remain living legacies for the future. 

For more information, visit www.rainforest-trustlk.org