Colombo’s built-up areas have warmed by up to 4°C over the last two decades, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, emphasising the urgent need for more green spaces in the city.

In response to this growing ecological and social challenge, Dilmah Conservation and the United Nations Global Compact Sri Lanka launched Grey2Green on 22nd November – a transformative national movement inviting individuals, communities, organisations, and students to turn concrete “grey” areas into thriving green spaces,, a Dilmah new release said.

Unlike traditional greening efforts, Grey2Green is not a tree-planting campaign; it is a grassroots, citizen-powered movement seeded by Dilmah. The initiative empowers the public, universities, environmental groups, and institutions to identify neglected rooftops, unused land, industrial sites, and degraded pockets of the city and convert them into ecological oases.

To support participants, Dilmah will provide training in urban forestry, tree ecology, landscape planning, and ecosystem management through its expert network, ensuring that each site is restored using sound, sustainable science, it added.

The launch event outlined the programme’s vision, goals, and long-term roadmap, opening the door for widespread public involvement.

Grey2Green draws its inspiration from the success of the One Earth Urban Arboretum, where an industrial garment-waste dump was transformed into a green sanctuary, now home to more than 300 trees and shrubs. This pioneering project demonstrates how even the most degraded urban spaces can become biodiverse, restorative landscapes. Grey2Green aims to replicate this model in other parts of Colombo and its suburbs,th release said.

At the event, Dilmah Conservation presented its structured six-step method for community-led urban greening that will move from skill development, identifying locations, conducting baselines, greening, and long-term monitoring and maintenance. Speakers stressed that meaningful urban greening extends far beyond planting trees: it is a long-term, data-driven process integrating ecology, engineering, design, and community use.

Environmental lawyer Dr Jagath Gunawardana highlighted the ecological and human value of urban green spaces, describing them as vital refuges for wildlife in an increasingly fragmented city. Encouraging the public to treat urban gardens as “living laboratories,” he noted that four decades of his own observations – from migrant birds to invasive species to dragonflies – were simple yet powerful acts of citizen science. “If we stop seeing green, we will slowly lose our balance,” he reminded the audience. “Nature is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”

Plant taxonomist Dr Himesh Jayasinghe emphasised the need for careful plant selection, community engagement, and the use of data to identify heat islands and low-canopy areas. “Everyone wants green spaces, but we must also protect them. Leave only footprints,” he advised.

Representing the Central Environmental Authority, Dr Ajith Gunawardena emphasised that urban greening is now a national priority.

“This is not just planting trees. It’s science in action,” added Rishan Sampath, Manager, Conservation and Sustainability at Dilmah Tea, who highlighted opportunities for university students and citizen scientists to participate in monitoring, research, and long-term ecosystem management.

Speaking on the global significance of the initiative, Treshan Galappathy of the United Nations Global Compact Sri Lanka noted: “Urban greening is deeply aligned with global sustainability priorities, particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action. Initiatives like Grey2Green demonstrate how collective action can reshape our urban future.”

Ultimately, Grey2Green invites the public to co-create and safeguard vibrant, restorative urban spaces that enhance both environmental resilience and community wellbeing. Dilmah welcomes all who wish to learn about urban greening and contribute to healthier, greener cities to join the movement.

To learn more or get involved, contact Dilmah Conservation at 011 4 822 490 / 216 or email info@dilmahconservation.org

Reinforcing its reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s leading financial institutions, HNB Finance PLC triumphed at the SLIM National Sales Congress (NASCO) Awards 2025, securing five prestigious accolades under the Financial Services Provider category.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) for the 24th consecutive year, NASCO stands as the country’s foremost platform recognizing the outstanding performance of sales professionals across 22 sectors.

Competing against more than 1,256 sales professionals from across the island, the dynamic HNB Finance sales team demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, and consistency at the SLIM NASCO Awards 2025. Shavinda Jayasinghe earned the coveted gold award in the Sales Supervisor category, while Suranga Jayasinghe and Sudeera Palihakkara secured bronze award in the same category. Ranjan Dharmakeerthi was recognized with bronze award in the Territory Manager category, and Roshan Jeewantha Bandara received bronze award in the Front Liner category, collectively highlighting the team’s unwavering commitment to performance excellence and professional distinction.

Commenting on this milestone, Chaminda Prabhath, Managing Director/CEO of HNB Finance PLC, said: “This achievement reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence and the commitment of our people. The recognition at NASCO 2025 stands as a testament to our team’s passion, professionalism, and dedication to exceeding expectations. At HNB Finance, we continue to invest in our people, empowering them to lead with integrity, resilience, and innovation.”

The Government of the Republic of Korea has pledged USD 500,000 in emergency relief to assist communities affected by tropical Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, Korean Embasst in Colombo said on Friday.

The funds will be channelled through the World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka to meet the basic needs of residents in the hardest-hit districts, including Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kurunegala, Kandy, Trincomalee, and Mannar.

President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, conveyed his condolences to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread damage to livelihoods. “The people of the Republic of Korea join me in conveying our profound sympathy at this heartbreaking news,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cho Hyun, Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed solidarity with Sri Lanka in a message to Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. He pledged Korea’s steadfast support and wished the nation a swift recovery with strength and resilience.

Miyon Lee, the Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka, echoed the sentiments, emphasising that the contribution aims to support the rehabilitation of affected communities. She highlighted that the aid reaffirms the long-standing friendship and cooperation between South Korea and Sri Lanka.

The humanitarian assistance comes as Sri Lanka continues to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused severe flooding, property damage, and displacement in multiple regions. The intervention by Korea is expected to provide immediate relief and contribute to ongoing recovery efforts.