HUSMEN HUSMAK VIRU THURU SEWANA TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME – 562 INFANTRY BRIGADE

Under the visionary concept of His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and in line with the national “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, the “Husmen Husmak Viru Thuru Sewana” Tree Planting Programme was ceremonially conducted at the Pampemadu Tree Plantation Site on 25 May 2026.

The programme was organized by the 562 Infantry Brigade under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding of the 56 Infantry Division and successfully implemented with the dedicated participation and support of the Commanding Officers and troops of the 17 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry Battalion and the 12 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Battalion. The initiative formed part of the island-wide programme to plant 23,000 saplings under the directives of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni).

The occasion was graced by Major General S.A.U.A. Solangaarachchi RSP ndc psc, the General Officer Commanding of the 56 Infantry Division, together with the Commanders of the 562 and 563 Infantry Brigades, senior military officers, representatives from government and local authorities, officials of the Forest Conservation Department, relatives of fallen war heroes, and residents of the surrounding areas.

The programme symbolized a united national effort aimed at promoting environmental sustainability while fostering reconciliation, remembrance, and national unity through community participation and collective responsibility.

Against the serene backdrop of the Pampemadu forest landscape, participants planted hundreds of saplings as living memorials dedicated to the brave war heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during nearly three decades of conflict, as well as to the civilians who lost their lives during the devastating Dituwa Cyclone. Each sapling planted during the programme represented gratitude, remembrance, resilience, and hope for future generations.

Beyond its commemorative significance, the initiative also highlighted the urgent need to restore and protect the natural environment through meaningful reforestation and ecological conservation efforts. The planting of indigenous tree species is expected to contribute significantly towards ecological restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and the rehabilitation of landscapes affected by years of conflict and human activities.

The successful conduct of the programme reflected the strong partnership between the Sri Lanka Army, civil administration, environmental agencies, and the local community in advancing national environmental objectives. As the programme concluded, the “Husmen Husmak Viru Thuru Sewana” initiative stood as a lasting reminder that every tree planted today represents an investment in the future and an enduring commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Sri Lanka for generations to come.