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Genesis Thought Leadership Series welcomes global expert on rainforest restoration

Published

3 months ago

2026/01/25

Prof. Friedhelm Goeltenboth

The Genesis Thought Leadership Series continues with a timely and highly relevant lecture on sustainable land use in the humid tropics, featuring Prof. Friedhelm Goeltenboth, Honorary Professor of Tropical Ecology at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, and Scientific Advisor to NatureLife-International.

Titled “Rainforestation Farming – an innovative new option for the humid tropics”, the lecture will take place at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at GENESIS: Dilmah Centre for Sustainable Future.

Across South and Southeast Asia, once-vast tropical rainforests have been steadily reduced due to commercial logging, population pressure, and expanding agriculture. These changes have damaged ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, and weakened rural livelihoods. Prof. Goeltenboth’s lecture addresses this challenge head-on with a practical, proven solution.

At the heart of the discussion is Rainforestation Farming, a land-use system developed in the Philippines through a long-term collaboration between the University of Hohenheim and Visayas State University. Initiated in 1994, this approach combines forest restoration with food security and income generation for rural communities.

Unlike conventional replanting, Rainforestation Farming uses local forest and fruit tree species, planted in a near-natural structure. Fast-growing sun-loving trees are planted first to create quick canopy cover, suppress invasive grasses, and restore soil health. Shade-loving forest species are introduced later, recreating a layered forest system that supports biodiversity while delivering long-term economic value.

The results are striking. Within just four years, endangered wildlife species such as the Philippine flying lemur and tarsiers returned to restored areas. At the same time, farmers benefited from improved soils, reduced erosion, better water retention, and diversified income from fruit, timber, and shade-tolerant crops. The system also contributes to carbon sequestration, making it highly relevant in the context of climate change.

Prof. Goeltenboth brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience in tropical ecology, agroforestry, and landscape rehabilitation across Asia, including work in the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Laos. He has advised governments, international agencies, and development organisations, and his Rainforestation Farming model is now adopted by multiple agencies, including government authorities in the Philippines.

This lecture will be of strong interest to policymakers, environmental professionals, academics, conservationists, agricultural practitioners, and anyone concerned with sustainable development in tropical regions.

The Genesis Thought Leadership Series offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a pioneer whose work bridges science, community livelihoods, and real-world environmental solutions. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)