The Tokyo Cement Group, in partnership with the Mahaweli Authority, has officially commenced the 2026 tree-planting season for the Ivuru Rakina Pawuru initiative at the Polgolla Dam in Kandy. This event was notably attended by members of the New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team, underscoring a continued dedication to restoring and preserving the Mahaweli River banks, an endeavor that has garnered international acclaim for its extensive contributions to environmental sustainability.
Among the attendees were representatives from the Mahaweli Authority, the Central Environment Authority, senior officials from the Sri Lanka Rugby Federation, students from Kandy Model School in Polgolla, and local residents. Together with the New Zealand rugby team, they participated in planting 100 Kumbuk saplings along the riverbank, showcasing a collective commitment to environmental responsibility.
Since 2017, the Ivuru Rakina Pawuru program has partnered the Ministry of Environment with the Mahaweli Authority, focusing on reforesting the banks of the Mahaweli River using indigenous species such as Kumbuk and Mee. This effort is crucial for the sustainable management of essential water catchment areas.
As part of its forest tree planting initiative, the Tokyo Cement Group supports the Ivuru Rakina Pawuru project by providing native forest trees with medicinal properties, including Kumbuk, Karanda, Mee, and Ingini. These trees are cultivated at two Tokyo Cement Forest Tree Nurseries located in Trincomalee and Mahiyangana. By planting these species, the initiative aims to restore natural biodiversity and mitigate soil erosion along the riverbanks. The trees are distributed to various community and governmental organizations, aiding in reforestation efforts throughout the country, particularly in the Mahaweli regions.
This initiative is integral to the company’s broader sustainability strategy, which seamlessly integrates social welfare and environmental conservation into its core operations. Through initiatives like the Ivuru Rakina Pawuru project, the Tokyo Cement Group reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the nation, its citizens, and the environment, solidifying its role as a key player in national development.
Image Caption: Members of the New Zealand Under-85kg Rugby Team participated in a tree-planting initiative alongside the Tokyo Cement team as part of the ‘Ivuru Rakina Pawuru’ environmental conservation campaign.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
