SAI100 Tree Planting Initiative - Continuing Our Green Journey in the Central Region of Sri Lanka

Zone 4 (Issue 2)

Dear Envirocare Coordinators, Go Green Champions, and Eco Explorers,

In our continued journey with reverence for Nature, this month we focus on the ornamental Cypress tree, an emblem of resilience and grace. The Cypress tree (scientific name: Cupressocyparis leylandii)² is now being introduced in the Central Region of Sri Lanka, offering everyone a meaningful opportunity to express their love and gratitude to the environment through the sacred act of planting this species of tree. Each tree planted becomes a silent prayer for the well-being – the protection and preservation – of our planet, and a living reminder of our interconnectedness and interdependence on the planet in God’s creation.

On 1 September 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization of Sri Lanka initiated the Cypress Tree (Leyland Cypress) Planting programme in the Central region—widely known as the hill country for its cooler and serene climate. These trees demonstrably increase the landscape value of the area. Ten devotees from the Talawakkala Sathya Sai Centre came together in seva to participate in this humble yet impactful activity. They planted a total of 350 Cypress trees in the peaceful surroundings of the Pidurutalagala mountain range, the highest peak in Sri Lanka. These trees were specially chosen for that location due to their successful growth rate in comparison to other plants in the area.

This location is adjacent to the Agricultural Department of Sri Lanka, specifically the Seeds Research Centre. This area benefits from the dense foliage of the surrounding trees, which serves as a natural barrier against the strong winds that can damage the centre’s greenhouse structures. The aesthetic value of the Cypress trees actively contributes to the harmony within that landscape, a combination of natural and human effort that supports the region’s ecological balance.

“As I placed each sapling into the soil, I felt a quiet joy blossoming within. It was more than just planting a tree, it was an offering of love to Mother Earth. The serene mountain air, the presence of fellow devotees, and the thought of these trees standing tall for years to come filled me with a deep sense of gratitude. At that moment, I understood what Swami meant when He said that service to Nature is service to God. It was a simple act, but one that carried so much meaning.”

– a devotee from Talawakkala Sathya Sai Centre

These tree species are commonly used as ornamental plants and are often grown in parks and gardens, where their slender leaves and graceful branching patterns enhance the landscape’s aesthetic beauty. The Cypress tree is widely used as a Christmas tree in Sri Lanka and across the world. Moreover, according to Notaro and Salvo (2010), the Cypress trees provide protection against soil erosion and natural hazards.³ A study conducted by Bektas and Kurt (2010) demonstrated that Cypress wood is moderately durable and of good quality⁴, making it a suitable choice for quality timber production in Sri Lanka.

Cypress trees experience high demand during the festive season. However, this demand has led to illegal tree cutting that exceeds government regulations, resulting in a significant decline in Cypress populations. These trees not only enhance recreational beauty but also contribute economic value to Sri Lankan tourism. 

The SSSIO Sri Lanka organises tree planting initiatives that are vital for raising awareness among local communities about the importance of Cypress trees and for encouraging them to stand against the illegal logging that threatens their survival.

“Nature is your school, your laboratory, the gateway to liberation and the panorama of God’s majesty. Seek to know the lessons it is ready to teach.”

– Sri Sathya Sai Baba, October 4, 1970

“We need not fret at the enormity of the challenge. God Himself will change the world as He Wills, we are just on an earthly journey to Self-realisation. It starts with turning the tap off when water is not needed and switching off unused lights, because everything is a gift from God, nay, is God Itself. Our individual journeys require us to know this.” – Ashok K. Sakhrani

Explore “Awakening to the Environment” which reveals how the Lord’s blessing fosters greater Self-awareness and a deeper connection to Nature, inspiring personal growth and environmental mindfulness. Read the article HERE

By joining hands, we can create a lasting positive impact on our planet and build a meaningful legacy for generations to come. Let us keep loving and caring for our Earth, while encouraging others to unite with us in shaping a greener, more sustainable future. This commitment is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the advent of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and honour His teaching of harmony and service to all life. 🌍

Share with us the environmental initiatives and tree-planting activities you are organizing in your communities/countries/Zones at gogreen@sathyasai.org.

VISIT the Environmental Sustainability Hub for more insights, Go Green tips and resources.👨‍🌾

With Sai Love and Care,

Environmental Sustainability Committee 

Sri Sathya Sai International Organization

References

_{¹.  Sai100 Initiative - Offering for 100th Birthday}

_{². Virginia Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (n.d.) Leyland Cypress. Available at: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/HORT/HORT-18/HORT-18.html}

_{³. Sandra Notaro, Maria De Salvo, ‘Estimating the economic benefits of the landscape function of ornamental trees in a sub-Mediterranean area’, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Volume 9, Issue 2, 2010, Pages 71-81, ISSN 1618-8667, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2009.09.001}

_{⁴. Bektas, Ibrahim & Kurt, Ramazan. (2010). Principal Mechanical Properties of Cypress Wood (Cupressus Sempervirens L.) Naturally Grown in (Kahramanmaraş) Eastern Mediterranean of Turkey. Gazi University Journal of Science. 23. 357-362.}