A climate change combatting initiative of Lankan parliamentarian and environmental activist, Ven. Athuruliye Rathana Thera themed Matha, launched by the Matha Foundation on February 22, will take a new turn on March 30. when environmental enthusiasts will take part in an 11-day tree-planting cycle safari from Vihara Mahadevi Park to the North. It will conclude on April 9.
Among the brand ambassadors of the Matha program are Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Harry Jayawardena, Otara Gunawardena and Kumar Sangakkara.
Trees will be planted in religious and other significant places. The cycling team will stop en-route to the North, such as Kelaniya, Gampaha, Kurunegala and Kandy, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Jaffna. Key ceremonies are planned in Kandy with the participation of the Maha Sangha and other religious dignitaries. In the North, support has been provided by officials of Hindu temples.
“This is the first step that envisages the growth of 20 million trees around Sri Lanka within two-three years,” said Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera, the pioneer and founder of the project and the chief advisor of the Matha Foundation.