Rediscovering Our Green Heritage: Ruk Rakaganno’s Biodiversity Walk at Nugegoda Wetland Park

A Morning of Nature, Memory, and Connection

On a quiet Deepavali morning, members and guests of Ruk Rakaganno gathered at the Nugegoda Wetland Park for a nature-filled start to the day. By 7:00 a.m., the car park was abuzz with friendly chatter as everyone assembled to begin the much-awaited Biodiversity Walk, led by Mr. Dushy Perera, President of Ruk Rakaganno.

The event opened with a few heartfelt words from Professor Tissa Vitharana, who fondly remembered the organization’s founders — Mrs. Kamini Meedeniya and Mrs. Iranganie Serasinghe, the renowned actress and environmentalist behind RukRaks Kala Kirthi. His reflection on memory, compassion, and hope beautifully set the tone for a morning dedicated to celebrating Sri Lanka’s tree-filled heritage.

Exploring the Green Treasures of the Wetland

Guided by Mr. Channa Ekanayake, the resource person for the day, participants stepped into the lush greenery of the Wetland Park. From the elegant Helamba and Magul Karanda trees to the indigenous Murutha, Beraliya, and Milla, Channa brought each species to life with fascinating stories — from legendary uses to everyday relevance.

Eager participants listened intently, took notes, and asked questions, while Danun, Channa’s assistant, helped answer with enthusiasm. The walk turned into a rich learning experience, enhanced by the sound of bats rustling in the branches and the cool shade of towering riverine trees creating a natural canopy overhead.

Channa Ekanayake explains the numerous tales of trees.

Uncovering Stories Hidden in Place Names

As the group continued, Channa shared intriguing insights into the origins of local place names.

• Nugegoda, for instance, derives from the large Nuga (banyan) tree that once stood by the spot where executions were carried out.
• Thalawathugoda recalls fields once filled with sesame (thala).

Each tale added a layer of history and meaning to the natural beauty surrounding the park, connecting language, culture, and landscape.

A Symbol of Hope: Planting the ‘Na’ Tree

The highlight of the morning was the ceremonial planting of a young ‘Na’ (Mesua ferrea) — Sri Lanka’s National Tree. The sapling, carefully selected and prepared by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), was planted by the youngest participant, Tahan de Silva, symbolizing the passing of stewardship for nature to a new generation.

Although L.Arct. Thushari Kariyawasam, Director of the UDA’s Landscape Unit, could not attend, her role in facilitating the event and her vision as the original designer of the Nugegoda Wetland Park were warmly acknowledged.

A Na sapling for the park by RukRaks.

Shared Refreshments, Shared Purpose

After the walk, members and guests gathered back at the car park to enjoy a comforting cup of Milo and a freshly baked maalu paan, courtesy of Ruk Rakaganno. Laughter, learning, and friendship flowed freely — the perfect conclusion to a morning spent in harmony with nature.

With the rain holding back and spirits high, participants departed enriched, inspired, and deeply connected — to each other and to the living world around them.

A Celebration of Light and Life

This year’s Deepavali Day became more than a festival of light; it became a celebration of life itself — a reminder that every tree planted, every story told, and every step taken in nature brings us closer to a greener tomorrow.