“Green Base – One Plant for One Sailor” tree plantation programme commences in Northern Naval Command

Following the concept of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva to establish a Green-Blue environment, the tree plantation programme “Green Base – One Plant for One Sailor” commenced in the Northern Naval Command Headquarters today (01st July 2019).

The event was presided over by Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera. Accordingly, he planted a sapling in the garden of his office premises and stressed the importance of the programme which has given an opportunity for all naval personnel to actively engage in sustainable tree plantation to promote environmental protection and green environment within naval premises in Northern Naval Command. The Area Commander also emphasized the importance of identifying best drought tolerant plants for the Northern Area considering the environmental conditions and weather pattern.

At the commencement of this programme, a total number of 540 saplings comprising of 300 Coconut, 100 Jack, 100 Tamarind, 20 Mahua (Mee) and 20 Neem (Kohomba) saplings were planted on 01st July 2019.Under this project, each sailor of the base is given the opportunity in planting a sapling, carrying out its maintenance on daily basis and handing over the responsibility of the plant to his heir when drafted out from the base. This new concept aimed at preserving of the plants whilst ensuring their continual growth.

Commanding Officer SLNS Uththara and Heads of Departments in the area were also present on this occasion. Besides, under the visionary leadership of Commander of the Navy, a wide range of environmental friendly programmes have been initiated in every naval command with the intention of promoting Green-Blue concept in the Navy.