Aiming for 100,000 Saplings in Support of Climate Neutrality by 2050

Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka – 11 July 2025

IHRC and Sri Hela Foundation Unite for Environmental Action

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), in partnership with the Sri Hela Cultural Cooperation Foundation, has officially launched a large-scale tree planting initiative in Sri Lanka. The project, which commenced on 11 July 2025 in Diyahondawewa village, Kuruwita Divisional Secretariat, Ratnapura District, aims to plant 100,000 saplings as a concrete step toward combating climate change and fostering environmental stewardship. The initiative aligns with the European Climate Agreement’s target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Leadership and Community Engagement

The project operates under the direct supervision of Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Commissioner for Sri Lanka at the International Human Rights Commission. Titled “Let’s Plant a Sapling to Give the Future Generation a Breath,” the programme will gradually expand to other regions of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Anura Witarana, IHRC Zonal Coordinator, has been appointed Chairman of the project and will lead its day-to-day execution and community mobilisation.

“Human rights are not just a legal matter. The International Human Rights Commission stands for all human rights, and we are at the forefront of world peace and humanitarian missions. We will step forward and assist in such humanitarian missions at any moment.”
— Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake, Commissioner, IHRC Sri Lanka / Founder and Chairman, Sri Hela Cultural Cooperation Foundation

Broad Participation and Recognition

The launch event was attended by key figures, including Dr. Dissanayake (also Founder/Chairman/Director-General of the Sri Hela Cultural Foundation), the Divisional Secretary of Kuruwita, the Officer-in-Charge of Kuruwita Police, regional and zonal IHRC coordinators, volunteers, and representatives of Diyahondawewa village – including the Grama Niladhari, a development officer, farmer’s society officials, and local villagers.
Notable participants included: Mr. S. Prabakar, Mr. Anura Vitharana, Mr. Udara Rathnayake, Mr. Vihaga Deshapriya, Mrs. Nisansala Wijekoon, Mrs. Dilki Saumya, Mr. Sarath Kumara, and others.

As a mark of appreciation, all participants received official certificates signed by Prof. Rafael Wasik, Secretary of the International Human Rights Commission, and Dr. Chrishantha Dissanayake.

A Commitment to Future Generations

This tree planting initiative reflects IHRC’s belief that environmental protection is a fundamental human right and a pillar of global peace and sustainable development. By engaging communities, authorities, and civil society, IHRC and the Sri Hela Cultural Foundation aim to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Reported by:

Anura Vitharana
Zonal Volunteer Coordinator – IHRC Sri Lanka

The post 🌱 International Human Rights Commission and Sri Hela Cultural Foundation Launch Ambitious Tree Planting Project in Sri Lanka first appeared on ihrc.news.

2,000 Trees to Be Planted Along Damascus–Aleppo Highway
Maarrat al-Numan, June 2025

Planting Seeds of Hope

In an inspiring demonstration of solidarity and hope, Syrian civil society organisations have launched the “A Tree for Syria” initiative, targeting the planting of 2,000 trees along the Damascus–Aleppo highway near Maarrat al-Numan. This marks the first step in a broader national campaign to plant two million trees countrywide.

Key Organisations Participating:

• Violet Organization
• Taaluf Humanitaire International Organization
• Sedad Humanitarian Organization
• Impact Makers Network
• Rural Development Association
• Manarat Al-Hayat Association

Reviving Nature and Community

The campaign seeks to:

• Restore vegetation cover in areas ravaged by conflict, fire, and desertification
• Improve air quality and food security
• Support environmental and social stability

Organisers emphasise:

“Agriculture is a message of life. Rebuilding Syria starts by planting hope before rebuilding infrastructure.”

The initiative has received strong support from local communities and volunteers, with growing calls to expand into other provinces.

Author:
Ahmed Mowas, IHRC Press Journalist

The post 🟢 “A Tree for Syria” — Civil Society Unites for Environmental Renewal first appeared on ihrc.news.