SLN plants 100,000 mangrove saplings
December 20, 2021Sri Lanka Navy commenced planting of over 100,000 mangrove saplings along the lagoon area from Chilaw to Malwathu Oya covering estuaries and banks, last Saturday (Dec 18).
Planting of mangroves was held under the patronage of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne on the side-lines of SLN’s 71st Anniversary celebrations.
Mangroves play a pivotal role in the marine ecosystem while fostering healthy ecosystems for fish and crustaceans and other small organisms to flourish. It also protects our coastlines from tsunamis and also prevents further soil erosion adding scenic improvement.
Mangroves are a marvellous nesting ground for fish, invertebrates and birds and it is also a home to various types of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
According to the SLN, this noble cause is carried out as part of its Mangrove Conservation Project and the SLN plants mangrove saplings along tidal estuaries and in salt marshes belonging to naval commands to preserve this highly valued mangrove ecosystem for the next generation.
Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularathne, the Commander North-western Naval Area was the driving force behind this eco-friendly project.
The SLN said 100,000 mangrove saplings will be planted in Chilaw Estuary and the area around the Dutch Canal, in islands and lagoon areas of the Kalpitiya and Puttalam, on the banks and empty lands around Kala Oya, in islands and banks associated with Modaragam Aru and in river banks and islands connected to Malwathu Oya during the project.
Adding a significant feature, the SLN’s mangroves planting on concrete supports along the river banks of the Malwathu Oya will be piloted for the first time in a bid to prevent river bank erosion.
The SLN expects an upturn of mangrove density in ecosystems of aforesaid areas and it has covered an area of 261 square kilometres so far.
District Secretary of Puttalam, Chief Secretary North Western Province, Mayor of the Puttalam Urban Council, Director of Mangrove Conservation Division, Small Fishers Federation of Sri Lanka, Navy Officers, regional state officials, school children, officers representing sister services and Police and a group of invitees were present at this occasion.
