ComBank undertakes to reforest 100 hectares in Kandegama, Polonnaruwa

A 100-hectare swath of degraded habitat belonging to the Kandegama forest in the Dimbulagala range of the Polonnaruwa District is to be reforested by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon under the latest environment-linked commitment of Sri Lanka’s benchmark private bank.

Forests in the North-East area of the country have a catalytic effect on the North-East monsoon and the reforestation of Kandegama is expected to improve rainfall stability in the region in addition to paving the way for other environmental benefits including climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and habitat improvement, the Bank said.

“We are determined to ensure that the current economic challenges do not side-track our commitments to chosen nationally-important causes,” Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said. “As the only Bank in Sri Lanka to achieve 100% carbon neutral status and as a Bank which is committed to preserve the environment, Commercial Bank is very pleased to join hands with Forests Department for this reforestation project. With this project, Commercial Bank continues its support to Sri Lanka’s efforts to increase its forest cover and conserve habitats.”

The Kandegama forest occupies an area of 600 hectares. The dominant vegetation of the forest is scrub and bushes such as ‘Hinguru’ and ‘Babila’ and invasive plants. Scattered stands of large trees such as ‘Madan,’‘Mayila’ and ‘Kon’ offer refuge to its wildlife.