President inaugurates 'Deyata Sevana' third phase

President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched the third phase of the 'Deyata Sevana' national tree planting programme to plant 1.1 million trees yesterday (Nov.15) at the auspicious time of 9.39 a.m. near Diyawanna Oya in Battaramulla.

The Deyata Sevana National Tree planting program was inaugurated on 15th November 2010 as a national program of planting 1.1 million trees to mark President Mahinda Rajapaksa's 65th Birth day and the second anniversary of his ascension to the Presidency. During the first stage 2.9 million trees were planted islandwide.

Due to its success, on a proposal made by Anura Priyadharashana Yapa, Minister of Environment, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to conduct this year's 'Deyata Sevana' tree planting programme with the participation of all Ministries, Departments, Corporations, Statutory Boards, Provincial Councils, District and Divisional Administration.

Minister of Environment, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, several other Cabinet Ministers, large number of school children and diplomats also attended the tree planting ceremony.
- Asian Tribune -