Stories about One Million Trees
About us
A Legacy of Service Since 1929, Rotary Sri Lanka has grown from a single club into a nationwide force of over 70 clubs and 2,000 members. United by “Service Above Self,” we work alongside thousands of young leaders in Rotaract and Interact to drive impactful community and environmental change.
Our Mission: One Million Trees To combat the critical decline in Sri Lanka’s forest cover—now hovering around 29%—we launched the “One Million Tree Stories” project. This is not just a planting drive; it is a scientifically managed effort to regenerate our island’s lungs and ecosystem.
Partnership in Action Managed by the Rotary One Million Trees Trust, the project unites diverse expertise. The Rotary Club of Ibbagamuwa brings vital agricultural knowledge, while our strategic partner, Hayleys PLC, ensures every sapling is scientifically planted and nurtured for five years.
Current Impact (Dec 2025) We are turning vision into reality. As of December 2025, we have successfully planted 430,000 trees, all geo-tagged for transparency. With the support of corporate leaders like HNB, Sampath Bank, and Global Marine Investments, we are steadily advancing toward our one-million goal, proving that collective action can secure a greener future for Sri Lanka.
A Message from the Chairperson
Sri Lanka’s forest cover has faced a critical decline—dropping from 53% in 1990 to approximately 29% in recent years. This loss has not only stripped our island of its natural beauty but has also hindered future generations from experiencing the true comfort and resilience of nature. In response, Rotary District 3220 (Sri Lanka & Maldives) embarked on a visionary mission: to plant One Million Trees.
Our Progress: From Vision to Reality What began as an ambitious dream is now a measurable reality. I am delighted to inform you that as of December 2025, we have successfully planted 430,000 trees.
Why “Tree Stories”? Research shows that nearly every human being holds a deep emotional connection to a tree—whether it’s a memory from childhood, school, or a quiet moment in nature. This universal bond inspired our theme: “One Million Tree Stories.”
For me, this connection is personal and profound. When I was first asked to share a “tree story,” I hesitated; I’ve always been wary of the outdoors. But my mind went back to
December 26, 2004—the day the tsunami struck. I was in Nilavelli with my family when the waves hit. As the waters receded, dragging everything back into the ocean, the only thing that saved me was a single, sturdy tree I clung to near our chalet. That tree gave me a second chance at life.
The Future: Biodiversity & Carbon Credits This project is about more than just planting; it is about sustainable value. We are actively working toward creating a Biodiversity Bank to
position Sri Lanka as a hotspot for carbon trading in the region. By geo-tagging every tree and ensuring a mandatory 5-year maintenance period with our partner Hayleys PLC, we are building a verifiable carbon sink that offers tangible environmental returns.
An Invitation to Join I invite you to be part of this living legacy. Whether you are an individual sharing your own “tree story” or a corporate partner like Global Marine Investments, Sampath Bank, or Crystal Martin—who have recently joined us to offset their carbon footprint—your support is vital.
Together, let us plant not just trees, but stories of resilience and hope for the future.
Gowri Rajan Chairperson, Rotary One Million Trees Trust
District Governor 2014-2015, RID 3220
Message from District Governor 2025-26
Uniting for a Greener Legacy
As we navigate the 2025-26 Rotary year under the theme “Unite for Good,” I am reminded that our greatest impact comes not from individual effort, but from collective action. The “One Million Tree Stories” project is the perfect embodiment of this spirit, a unifying force that brings together Rotarians, corporate leaders, and local communities to heal our island’s ecosystem.
When this project began, it was a bold vision. Today, it is a measurable reality.
I am proud to confirm that as of December 2025, we have successfully planted 430,000 trees. This is not just a statistic; it represents a tangible investment in Sri Lanka’s future resilience. In my professional life as a banker, I have always believed that the most valuable assets are those that appreciate over time.
There is no greater asset we can bequeath to our children than a restored, breathing planet.
To our strategic partners—Hayleys PLC, Sampath Bank, Crystal Martin, and our newest ally Global Marine Investments—thank you for your foresight. You are not just sponsoring saplings; you are offsetting carbon, protecting biodiversity, and proving that economic growth and environmental stewardship can walk hand in hand. However, the journey to one million is far from over. I call upon every Club in District 3220 to take ownership of this legacy. Let us use our vocational expertise and our networks to drive this initiative forward.
Let us Unite for Good, for our environment, for our economy, and for the generations to come.
Rtn. Delvin Pereira District Governor, 2025-2026
Rotary International District 3220 (Sri Lanka & Maldives)