Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that building a sustainable environment is a key national vision for the government of the National People’s Power, highlighting the creation of eco-friendly schools and environmentally responsible children through educational reforms as a central objective.
She made these remarks while inaugurating the newly established Moon Memorial Museum at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, on Sunday (28), commemorating Alexander Moon, the founder of the gardens, and marking 200 years of botanical heritage at the site.
The Moon Memorial Botanical Museum, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., provides public access to unique plants, plant specimens, economic crops, and plant history. It aims to parallel international botanical museums in promoting knowledge, research, and conservation, with a focus on educating schoolchildren and the general public.
During the event, the Prime Minister symbolically planted a Pini Beraliya tree in the gardens and praised the museum’s role in advancing scientific knowledge, protecting ecosystems, supporting research for a production-based economy, and contributing to tourism.
‘”Our national vision is to build a sustainable environment that ensures the survival of every living being. To achieve this, we need a community that is sensitive to the environment, animals, and oceans. Through cultural renewal and education, we can cultivate citizens who embrace multiculturalism, respect human dignity, and safeguard their natural heritage.”
The Prime Minister added that the museum provides an important opportunity to study, research, and preserve plant heritage for future generations while enhancing the tourism value of the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens.
Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi noted that the Department of Botanical Gardens, together with the Ministry of Environment, plans to expand botanical gardens beyond the five main sites, establishing new gardens tailored to specific climatic zones.
The inauguration was attended by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Deputy Ministers Anton Jayakody and Hansaka Wijemuni, Secretary K. R. Uduwawala, Director General H. C. P. Jayaweera, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests.
