Ruk Rakaganno

Management of the IFS-Popham Arboretum, Dambulla

Ruk Rakaganno took over the management of the IFS-Popham Arboretum, Dambulla in May 2005. The Arboretum was established in 1963 by Mr. Sam Popham, an Englishman on 7.5 acres of scrub jungle in Dambulla. Dambulla is located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, and is very much part of its cultural and natural history. Twenty seven acres were added by the Institute of Fundamental Studies, which managed the Arboretum from 2001 – 2005, when the Arboretum was gifted by Mr. Popham upon his departure from Sri Lanka.

After taking over the management in May 2005, Ruk Rakaganno established a visitor center in the cottage once occupied by Mr. Popham. The center provides visitors with information on the Arboretum, the species to be seen there, and research conducted there on growth patterns of the valuable Dry Zone trees, the effects of chena cultivation etc.

Walking trails have been established, and selected trees labeled, with their botanical and common names. Knowledgeable guides are available to show visitors round the grounds.

Research officers at the Arboretum are conducting studies into the tree species and other fauna and flora to be found there. The Arboretum is now also a center for the study of the environment amongst school children, especially those in surrounding communities. There is no other similar facility in the district, despite the importance of the timber, medicinal and agricultural value of its flora, for human beings and the fauna of the forests and fields.

Mr. Popham’s Arboretum is unique not only in the methods he developed to establish it, but also in that it is the only such Arboretum in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The forests and trees of the dry zone are irreplaceable, and this Arboretum has a vital role to play in their ongoing protection and propagation.

The Arboretum, Dambulla provides an ideal location for those interested in trees and their associated fauna, to learn about the natural wonders of Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Groups of visitors are welcome, but advised to book in advance.

A resource Center is planned when finances are available. A nursery of endemic and valuable plants has been established to augment income and to ensure the survival of valuable and endangered species.

Rehabilitation of areas affected by the Tsunami of December 2004

Large parts of Sri Lanka’s coastline were devastated by the Tsunami of December 2004, and coastal vegetation was often destroyed leaving the coastline vulnerable to further damage from erosion. It was observed too that coastal areas tree cover suffered significantly less damage from the waves. Ruk Rakaganno therefore regarded the re-vegetating and rehabilitation of the affected areas, and increasing the tree cover around the coast an immediate and urgent priority. Tree planting is currently being carried out in conjunction with schools along the coast. School children participate in an initial awareness raising workshop, and then in planting trees in their school grounds as well on the beach. The first phase of the project took us to 75 schools along the southern coast. Funding for this project has been received from the International Dendrology Society, UK., and further funding pledged by the consortium for Humanitarian Agencies (CHA).

It is proposed to extend this program to the eastern seaboard shortly, adapting the program to sit the local Muslim, Tamil speaking communities as well.

Ruk Rakaganno set up a nursery in the southern city of Galle, to provide planting material for the lands affected by the tsunami. This is located on Rumassala, the mountain overlooking Galle harbor, famed for its diversity of medicinal plants. Satellite nurseries and training workshops are planned, to provide livelihood development for local communities, providing skills training and self employment opportunities.

Another objective of the project is to make the coast, in particular the town of Galle, more attractive to visitors through re-vegetation. Visitors are invited to sponsor planting in selected sites or to participate in the planting themselves. Plants have been supplied to rehabilitate the denuded coastal strip.

Initial sponsorship was provided by the Responsible Tourism Partnership, Sri Lanka under the aegis of the Travel Foundation U. K.

A Nursery of Sri Lankan Trees

In November 2004, Ruk Rakaganno set up its own nursery of trees (primarily mainly Sri Lankan indigenous endemic trees) in the premises of the Anglican Cathedral in Colombo. Over 80 species of trees have been collected and the collection is constantly added to. These include timber, ornamental, flowering, fruit, and medicinal trees, available for purchase by interested persons, for landscaping of their own properties.