Nov

Equipping the Community for a Greener Nallur

UNIVERSITY OF JAFFNA PLANETARY HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Students’ Wellbeing Centre of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, continues to connect academic leadership with practical community action through its Planetary Health Initiative. On 31 October 2026, the Centre formally handed over essential ground-preparation tools and field equipment to Mr. Mayuran, Chairman of the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha.

The handover supports the ongoing Green Nallur Project, a collaborative effort focused on increasing green cover along main roads, restoring natural water bodies and pond peripheries, and establishing urban mini-forests in and around the Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. B. Balagobi, Coordinator of the Students’ Wellbeing Centre, hands over the engine-powered earth auger to Mr. Mayuran, Chairman of the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha, on 31 October 2026.

STRENGTHENING FIELD OPERATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The donated equipment comprises engine-driven earth augers with extended drill bits, high-tensile pruning shears, grass trimmers, safety rubber boots and protective gloves. These tools are intended to support Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha field teams in preparing planting holes, clearing vegetation and carrying out maintenance in varied settings, including roadside and waterlogged areas.

Earth-auger extension bits and heavy-duty pruning shears.

Protective rubber boots, gloves and field equipment.

A COLLABORATIVE PLANETARY HEALTH MODEL

The initiative illustrates how university resources can strengthen local-authority operations. The Students’ Wellbeing Centre oversees sapling propagation through its tree nursery and provides essential equipment, while the local government authority leads field operations, including planting, watering and protecting young trees across the Nallur region.

Field equipment assembled and ready for deployment.

Earth auger and pruning tools prepared for site work.

SUSTAINED IMPACT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Working in partnership with the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha, the Jaffna Municipal Council and local community groups, the Faculty of Medicine seeks to link student wellbeing with ecological sustainability. Continued coordination and shared responsibility will be important to sustaining the initiative and ensuring that saplings nurtured at the Wellbeing Centre contribute to a healthier, greener Jaffna.

Shared responsibility. Practical action. A greener Nallur.