National Tree Planting Day in Sri Lanka Date in the current year: November 15, 2024

Sri Lanka has vast tropical forest with much biodiversity, being one of the twenty-five biodiversity hotspots in the world. 27% of its flowering plants are endemic. Sadly, deforestation is one of the most serious environmental issues in Sri Lanka. National Tree Planting Day was established to raise awareness of deforestation and consolidate efforts to fight it.

Sri Lanka's Tree Planting Day was launched in 2010 to commemorate the birthday of the 6th President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa and the anniversary of his inauguration. The campaign aims at raising awareness of the importance of preserving the green environment.

On November 15, numerous tree planting ceremonies are held throughout Sri Lanka. Several ministries responsible for environment protection take part in organizing them. They include the Ministry of Wildlife Resources Conservation, the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage, the Ministry of Botanical Gardens and Public Recreation, the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, etc. Special attention is paid to the participation of school community.