President launches program to plant one billion trees as renewable energy sources
www.colombopage.com, October 21st 2016, Trincomalee
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena today launched a program to plant one billion Gliricidia saplings island wide to mark the National Tree Planting Day.
The program launched along with the Trincomalee District Environment Summit has been implemented with the aim of increasing renewable energy sources.
Under the program small power plants fueled by Gliricidia firewood will be set up in rural areas allowing the farmers to earn an additional income by planting Gliricidia.
Gliricidia, a widely cultivated multipurpose leguminous tree, grows rapidly and can be used as organic fertilizer and firewood.
Speech delivered by President Maithripala Sirisena at the “’Wana Ropa” National Tree Planting Programme, at the Mackheizer ground in Trincomalee, on 21st October 2016: