Commemoration of International Day for Biological Diversity -2025 at Popham Arboretum, Dambulla.

International Day for Biological Diversity Celebration-2025

The International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 was celebrated on 22nd May 2025 under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, and with the participation of distinguished guests, government officials, NGOs, school students and the community at the biodiversity-rich “Popam TArboretum” in Dambulla.

Under the theme of this year's International Day for Biological Diversity, "Sustainable Development with Nature", the Biodiversity Division of the Ministry of Environment organized and conducted this celebration in a very grand manner with a local food exhibition with the aim of promoting eco-tourism, promoting underutilized foods and fruits, and promoting community participation for sustainable development.

Here, a very insightful lecture on Sri Lanka's biodiversity and the threats to it was delivered by Professor Cyril Wijesundara, Research Fellow at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies(NIFS). He pointed out that although Sri Lanka is a country rich in biodiversity, there are threats to biodiversity, so everyone should contribute to protecting Sri Lanka's biodiversity.

Also, as the guest speaker on the day, Professor Gamini Pushpakumara, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, delivered a insightful lecture on the importance of using underutilized foods and fruits to improve food security, nutrition, disease resistance and climate resilience.

Also, the Minister presented a certificate of ownership for bee colonies to the residents of the area with the aim of promoting beekeeping for the community. Furthermore, the Minister of Environment also distributed underutilized fruit saplings to school students on this day. Addressing the gathering, the Minister of Environment said that every possible step will be taken as a government to protect the ecosystem and biodiversity of the country.