Preservation of the environment is neither a liberal nor a conservative challenge. It is categorically the common sense of any individual. James Hansen declares “Global warming isn’t a prediction. It is happening.” Under such circumstances, young and stunning award winning actress Michelle Dilhara, comes into the lime light as a source of inspiration for those who are in love with nature.
While the people at large across the world are being intrinsically required to be concerned with the ever growing critical consequences of global warming, Dilhara within her capacity as an ardent promoter of an eco-friendly environment has initiated several projects through which it is expected to mitigate the dreadful consequences of global warming, which are escalating at a proportional level. Apart from being the best up-coming actress at the Raigam Tele’s 2019 and the 25th Sumathi Awards 2020, she is also Sri Lanka’s the Earth Day Network Ambassador. The Earth Day network is one of the largest environmental organisations of which its partners are scattered in 193 countries.
In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Dilhara opined that the younger generation, the university students in particular are the prospective inventors of the future. She also firmly believes that the role played by them, and of their contribution while being part and parcel in extending their helping hand for the purpose of the reduction of global warming would be of much significance where her involvements with nature projects with the Sri Lankan Universities is praiseworthy.
Dilhara’s most recent project was launched on the 06th of April 2021 with the Uva Wellassa University where the emphasis has been on the fight against the ever increasing global warming. The Vocational Guidance Unit of the Uva Wellassa University was commended for having initiated this program. The Vice Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Prof. Jayantha Lal Rathnasekara, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. This program was launched with a tree planting project in the University premises of which attention was focused on the aspect of global warming and climate change. The program was the brainchild of Dr. Janaka Siyambalapitiya, the Director, Vocational Guidance Unit and Akila Aushadha Bandara, Vocational Guidance Counselor. Dilhara further noted that it was her great privilege and pleasure to see Prof. H M S K Herath, Dean Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, H M J C Pitawala, Dean Faculty of Applied Science, Prof. Kolitha B. Wijesekara, Dean, Faculty of technological studies, M.F. Hibathul Careem, Registrar, Ms. Tharanga Perera, Bursar, all carrier advisors of faculties, all the administrative and academic staff, the non-academic staff, the undergraduates and the support staff of the Uva Wellassa University participating in this worthy cause. Dilhara extened her gratitude to Akila Aushada, Manusha Navarathna the Uva Wellassa University for their untiring effort in making the project a success. Dilhara also had a word of appreciation for all the undergraduates of the Uva Wellassa University. She said that she was amazed to have experienced the true spirit of collective and cohabited style of working of the undergraduates.
Dilhara noted that, currently the world is gravely embattled and threatened by serious repercussions which have come into being, both due to the unawareness and negligence of the industrial community over the methods of mitigation which could be applied with the global warming. It has scientifically been proven that the escalation in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the central reason which aggravates this frequently discussed burning issue. It is crystal clear that the industrial revolution gradually paved the way for the emission of an enormous quantity of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, as declared by the 2020 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, Dilhara expressed her concern on the deaths of sven million people happening in a year wholly due to air pollution. She further noted that it was of great prominence to have participated in many conferences held internationally where the discussion was on the aspect of the reduction of global warming while promoting the precautions which can arrest the serious consequences of climate change.
Meanwhile, Dilhara was delighted to have been able to distribute over 4000 plants among the school children in the island and the Divulapitiya village folk in particular.
Dilhara is of the firm belief, that the initiation of such a program would eventually facilitate the innovations invented by the university students with an actual concern and emphasis given to the well-being of Mother Nature. Dilhara’s good cause is also facilitated by the Universities of Peradeniya, Sabaragamuwa, Raja Rata, Sri-Jayewardenepura and Moratuwa. Dilhara commented on a lecture which she delivered on the climate change and global warming with the Hanthana Conservation Society at the University of Peradeniya.
Meanwhile, Dilhara said that together with Ishadi Ilankoon, Secretary of the Hanthana Conservation Society, and the students of all nine faculties of the University of Peradeniya, she was happy to join in distributing dry rations among the elder’s homes in Peradeniya during the Covid-19 pandemic situation.
The distribution was done with the able guidance and the blessings of Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Prof. Parakrama Karunarathne, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Saluka Kodithuwakku and Prof. Gehan Jayasuriya.