September 29, Colombo (LNW): A major step towards fostering environmental awareness and scientific education was taken on Sunday with the official opening of the Moon Memorial Museum at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya.
The event was marked by a ceremonial gathering attended by dignitaries, officials, and members of the public, including Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, who delivered a keynote address outlining the government’s broader environmental and educational ambitions.
The new museum, established in honour of Alexander Moon—the founder of the Royal Botanic Gardens—commemorates over two centuries of botanical heritage and scientific exploration. Open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the facility offers a wealth of knowledge about rare and native flora, economically significant crops, and the cultural history of plant use.
It has been designed to parallel international botanical institutions in both scope and educational purpose, serving as a hub for learning, conservation, and research.
In her address, Dr Amarasuriya described the museum as a symbol of the country’s commitment to ecological sustainability and environmental literacy. She emphasised the importance of building a future generation that not only understands but actively protects the natural world, stating that educational reform will play a central role in cultivating eco-conscious children and environmentally responsible schools.
The Prime Minister also took part in a symbolic tree planting ceremony, placing a Pini Beraliya sapling in the grounds of the Botanic Gardens—a gesture she described as a small but meaningful act of hope for the future.
She praised the museum’s potential to enrich both scientific understanding and the national tourism sector, asserting that it will draw global interest and deepen international appreciation for Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.
Speaking to a broader vision, Dr Amarasuriya noted that the path to true sustainability lies not only in new policies but in a cultural awakening—a transformation in how citizens relate to their environment, each other, and the world at large.
“To build a truly sustainable nation,” she said, “we need not only different leadership but also a different kind of citizen—free-thinking, compassionate, critical, and deeply respectful of nature and human dignity alike.”
She added that the government, led by the National People’s Power, is committed to creating the conditions necessary for this transformation. This includes embedding environmental education more deeply within schools and fostering a national identity that values biodiversity, climate awareness, and ecological stewardship.
Minister of Environment Dr Dammika Patabendi, who also addressed the gathering, announced forthcoming plans to expand the country’s network of botanical gardens beyond the five already in operation. He explained that future sites will be developed to reflect diverse climatic conditions across the island, ensuring that local ecosystems and plant life are preserved and studied more effectively.
The event drew a large and distinguished audience, including Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Hansaka Wijemuni, Environment Ministry Secretary K. R. Uduwawala, and Director General of the Botanic Gardens H. C. P. Jayaweera, along with members of Parliament and invited guests.
