About 1500 shade trees are to be planted over the next three months and an equal number of school children enlisted for their care, in a holistic new community initiative launched in Sri Lanka by Lanka IOC PLC.
Conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Forests, the programme will involve selected schools and children from low income families, who will be paid a stipend in return for watering and nurturing the saplings till they are fully grown, company officials said.
Picture shows -- Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka planting the first of 1,500 trees at the inauguration of the 'Go Green' tree planting programme. Lanka IOC Managing Director K.R. Suresh Kumar (3rd from right) is also in the picture. |
They said the company will fund the project and distribute the saplings provided by the Forests Department on a ratio of 10 trees for every one of the company's 150 petrol and diesel retail outlets in Sri Lanka.
The project was formally inaugurated at Hemamali Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 10, with the participation of Environment & Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Lanka IOC Managing Director K.R.Suresh Kumar recently.
Mr. Kumar said this is the first phase of what 'we hope' will grow into a larger sustainable project that reflects Lanka IOC's commitment to the environment, and help inculcate an interest in tree planting among the younger generation.
Noting that the company is conscious that petroleum products contribute to pollution, he said: "While there may be little we as retailers can do about that, we can contribute with projects that have some impact in mitigating the problem."
For every tree planted, Lanka IOC will open a bank account in the name of a deserving child selected by the respective school and deposit Rs 100 per month into each account. Each child benefitted will be responsible for a tree, the officials said.
The trees are selected by the Forest Department on the basis of the soil and climate of the different areas where the trees will be planted. A tree guard made from a half barrel will be provided by Lanka IOC to protect the plant until the tree is big enough to withstand normal damage, they said.
Officers in charge of Lanka IOC retail outlets will be given the responsibility of monitoring activities relating to this project to ensure that the trees are growing well and that the children caring for the trees are also making progress in their education. |
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