Navy joins celebration of International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
Sri Lanka Navy carried out several projects to plant saplings of mangrove in the lagoon areas of the Northern and Northwestern Naval Commands yesterday (26th July), as part of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
Accordingly, under the guidance of the Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Merril Wickramasinghe, over 1000 mangrove saplings were planted in pre-identified lagoon areas in the Northern Naval Command. The effort was joined by a group of officers and sailors attached to the Northern Naval Command.
Meanwhile, mangrove saplings were planted in the Modara Gam Aruwa region belonging to SLNS Barana in the Northwestern Naval Area. The magnanimous drive was joined by the Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sujeewa Perera, Naval personnel of SLNS Barana, students and teachers of Mullikulam Roman Catholic School, fisher folk in the area and several foreigners. Besides, similar programmes have been undertaken in the naval establishments of Rapid Action Boat Squadron Headquarters, SLNS Thambapanni, SLNS Therapuththa and SLNS Vijaya as well. Totally 2170, mangrove saplings were planted in the North western Naval Area.
Being a key partner in conservation of both land and marine environments, Sri Lanka Navy has thus far planted over 100,000 plants of mangrove, as part of the drive to promote mangrove ecosystems in the country.
North Naval Area
North Western Naval Area
Rapid Action Boat Squadron Headquarters
SLNS Barana
SLNS Thambapanni
SLNS Terapuththa
SLNS Vijaya