Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi
2026-03-03
Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi tabled a written answer detailing the bicentennial commemoration of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, which began in 1822 and was marked throughout 2022–2023 with events including flower shows, cultural ceremonies, educational programmes, and the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp. The total expenditure on commemorative materials amounted to Rs. 7,211,360, covering plaques and books. The minister confirmed that remaining commemorative items are being utilised as gifts at official events and sold through botanic garden outlets, with plaques offered at revised prices from April 2024.
Mr. Speaker, I table the answer.
(a)
(i) The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya commenced in 1822; however, the exact date of commencement is not recorded in the Department of National Botanic Gardens’ archival documents. Marking the completion of 200 years, the bicentennial was commemorated in 2022 with a series of programmes held throughout the year starting in February.
The programmes conducted in 2022 and 2023 alongside the bicentennial were as follows:
- 2022.02.25–26: Pirith chanting and almsgiving
- 2022.04.06: Launch of the bicentennial commemorative publication; opening of the ornamental foliage plant house
- 2022.04.30: Staff felicitation ceremony
- 2022.06.10–15: Grand flower show
- 2022.09.12: Issue of the bicentennial commemorative postage stamp
- 2022.10.18–24: “Botanical Garden Gala” – promotion of botany concepts, plant identification programmes, plant conservation programmes, food exhibitions, seedling/nursery-related open days
- 2022.10.25–11.04: Children’s Day activities including an art competition for schoolchildren
- 2023.01.06: Final art competition and awards ceremony
(ii) Expenditure:
- Commemorative plaques: Rs. 3,096,360.00
- Commemorative books: Rs. 4,115,000.00
(iii) Yes.
(iv) The commemorative plaques and books are being used appropriately as gifts at special events, official ceremonies, and educational/special programmes scheduled in botanic gardens for 2023–2026. In addition, all botanic gardens’ sales outlets are selling the remaining commemorative books, and, following a price revision by a pricing committee, the remaining commemorative plaques have been on sale with revised prices effective from 2024.04.01.
(b) Not applicable.