President and visiting Heads of States participate in Tree Planting

Commonwealth Heads of Government joined President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the National tree planting ceremony in Hambantota yesterday evening.

The ceremony, symbolic of the Commonwealth's commitment to preserving the environment, was held at the Mirijjawila Dry Zone Botanic Garden in Hambantota, the only dry zone botanical garden in Sri Lanka.  

The tree planting campaign was held throughout the country yesterday in connection with President’s birthday on the 18th of this month and the anniversary of President’s ascension to power. It is being held annually since 2011.

Trees were planted by over twenty-five delegations, which included Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers and other heads of delegations who are in Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CHOGM 2013 beginning in Colombo today.

The President planted a Neralu tree (Cassine balae) - a medicinal plant endemic to Sri Lanka's dry zone. (niz)

2:29 PM