The Rainforest Trust of Sri Lanka (RToSL), is a Public Trust registered with the Public Trustee, established in 2004, to conserve and restore Sri Lanka’s fragile rainforest ecosystems, successfully hosted a landmark educational and environmental awareness programme, titled ‘Ceremonial Dedication to the Public of Name Boards of Trees,’ on 13 June, placed in the Independence Walking Park.

During the Dedication Ceremony, the name boards were formally presented to the public, symbolising a solemn commitment to safeguard Colombo’s century‑old trees. The project aims to serve as a vibrant platform, reconnecting citizens with the city’s rich yet often overlooked tree heritage.

The Trust has lately turned its attention to taking the message of conservation to urban dwellers, the largest community in the city of Colombo, through this awareness project. RToSL continues to expand its conservation footprint through strategic land acquisitions and regeneration projects.

The event drew over 150 participants including conservationists, academics, students, media representatives, and members of the public, highlighting the Trust’s growing role in rural and urban conservation.

Contributing to the shared mission, Hatton National Bank (HNB), partnered with the Rainforest Trust of Sri Lanka, supporting the installation of the name boards for the 52 trees. The contribution reinforced HNB’s commitment to environmental awareness and provided greater visibility for the project.

Easter Sunday probe:

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has moved the Court of Appeal seeking to prevent his arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with the ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Attorney-at-Law Sanath Wijewardena filed the petition on behalf of Rajapaksa.

IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya, CID Director Shani Abeysekara, and OIC of the Special Investigation Unit of the CID, Madhava Gunawardena have been named as respondents.

Last week, DIG Varuna Jayasundera filed a similar petition seeking to prevent his arrest in connection with the Easter Sunday probe.

The AG assured the court that a decision had not been taken to arrest Jayasundera, who served as Director, TID, at the time of the Easter Sunday blasts.

Recently the Fort Magistrate issued a travel ban on Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

United Republican Front (URF) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka and URF Secretary General Bandula Chandrasekara yesterday (16) made written submissions to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the procurement of coal, beginning 2009.

Chandrasekera said that submissions had been made by Ranawaka in his previous capacity as a fomer Power and Energy Minister.

The PCoI consists of Supreme Court Justice Gihan Kulatunga as Chairman, with Court of Appeal Justice Adithya Patabendige and High Court Judge Sanjeewa Somaratne appointed as members. Former Ministry Secretary P. V. Bandulasena has been appointed as the Secretary to the Commission.

Chandrasekera said that they based their submissions on altogether four reports released by the Auditor General, including the one that dealt with the procurement of coal for the 2025/2026 period and other reports from the PUCSL and the CEB.

According to Chandrasekera, the AG’s report that dealt with the procurement by the incumbent government pointed out that the tender had been awarded to an Indian company that was not even qualified to be included in the process. “We are confident the PCoI will bring false narratives to an end and ascertain the truth,” Chandrasekera said. They provided detailed explanations to the crisis caused by the procurement of low quality coal from South Africa.

By Shamindra Ferdinando