A new beekeeping project has begun in a village near the NIFS Popham Arboretum in Dambulla
A new beekeeping project has begun in a village near the NIFS Popham Arboretum in Dambulla, with the installation of five bee boxes on September 3rd. This initiative aims to support local community development and promote environmental sustainability. The project will eventually include eight bee boxes, each housing a colony of bees. Local residents will receive training on how to manage these colonies to earn income from honey production and adopt sustainable practices.
A highlight of the project is the introduction of a computerized bee box, which is a first for Sri Lanka. Located near the Arboretum Office, this advanced system is being developed by teams from the University of Kelaniya and the University of Colombo. Tharindu Ranasinghe from Kelaniya University is leading the project, with supervision from Prof. Mayuri Wijesinghe from the University of Colombo. The computerized system aims to enhance monitoring and management of the bee colonies using modern technology.
The project will also provide a motorized stainless steel honey extractor for efficient honey harvesting. Anura Jasinghe has been appointed as the technical consultant to handle logistics and transportation from Kandy to the Arboretum.
This initiative, funded by Deutsche Bank and managed by the NGO, Ruk Rakaganno under the guidance of Rohan Jasinghe, is set to bring significant benefits to the local community.
