The ‘Husma Dena Thuru’ (Trees Giving Life) tree planting programme, aimed at planting 2 million saplings within the next 5 years, was inaugurated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday. The President took part in the programme by planting a ‘Sandun’ tree in front of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) premises in Battaramulla. Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID 19 outbreak Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva and Environmental Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe also participated. The programme aims at expanding the forest cover in the country to 30 percent of the land as envisaged in the ‘Saubhagyaye Dekma’ manifesto. It is carried out as a joint programme by the Environment Ministry, CEA, Army and the Defence Headquarters. Picture courtesy President’s Media Unit