“හරිත ප්‍රාර්ථනා”: A Sacred Call for Sustainability at Mihintale
By ZeroPlastic Rajarata Media Team
Mihintale, Sri Lanka – June 8, 2025
As Poson Poya illuminates Sri Lanka with spiritual significance, a unique initiative brought together faith and environmental consciousness at the historic site of Mihintale. Titled “හරිත ප්‍රාර්ථනා” – A Poson Awareness Session, the event was spearheaded by ZeroPlastic Rajarata in collaboration with the Sociological Association of Rajarata University, with the collective support of dedicated Event, PR, and Media teams.
Amidst the sacred backdrop where Buddhism was first introduced to the island, “හරිත ප්‍රාර්ථනා” served not only as a platform for spiritual devotion but also as a rallying cry for environmental protection. The session invited pilgrims, students, and community members to reflect on their ecological responsibilities, aligning ancient values with contemporary environmental needs.
A Devotion to Both Spirit and Soil 🌿🌙
The program commenced with a silent prayer circle beneath the moonlit sky, symbolizing unity and reverence for nature. Pilgrims were invited to participate in a guided meditation and chanting session focusing on mindfulness and environmental stewardship. These prayers were followed by a symbolic act of planting native saplings along designated walking paths in Mihintale, leaving behind not just blessings—but a greener footprint.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose 🤝
The success of “හරිත ප්‍රාර්ථනා” lay in the synergy between multiple teams and partnerships:
• The Event Team seamlessly coordinated logistics, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to organizing pilgrim pathways.
• The PR Team developed an awareness campaign under the theme “Let Your Prayers Bloom with Purpose”, which resonated deeply across local and online communities.
• The Media Team captured the moments live, broadcasting not just visuals but powerful messages about sustainable living.
• Crucially, the Sociological Association of Rajarata University offered insights into the behavioral and cultural shifts needed to nurture an eco-conscious society. Their involvement helped ensure that the initiative was not just a one-off event, but the seed of a larger community transformation.
Community Engagement and Educational Impact 📚🌱
Workshops and short interactive sessions were held throughout the day, covering topics such as:
• Plastic-free pilgrimages
• Cultural perspectives on nature in Buddhism
• Waste management around sacred sites
These sessions were led by student volunteers and subject matter experts, including local environmental activists and lecturers from Rajarata University. Young participants were encouraged to write their environmental pledges on recycled leaf tags and hang them on the “Tree of Intentions”—a symbolic structure created by the students.
One participant, 17-year-old Nirosha from Anuradhapura, shared, “This is the first time I understood how my small habits affect a sacred place like Mihintale. From now, I will carry my own reusable bottle and bags when I come to worship.”
Why “හරිත ප්‍රාර්ථනා” Matters 🌕💚
Events like this are vital in a world where environmental degradation often overshadows cultural preservation. Sacred sites across Sri Lanka face increasing threats from plastic pollution, overcrowding, and climate change. By aligning environmental action with spiritual tradition, ZeroPlastic Rajarata has created a powerful narrative—one that reminds people that protecting nature is a form of worship.
The initiative also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Life on Land (SDG 15).
Looking Ahead: A Movement, Not Just a Moment 🌏✨
According to Dr. Ishara Senanayake, advisor to the Sociological Association, “This is not the end but a beginning. The rituals of today can become the values of tomorrow. We plan to take this format to other sacred sites across the island.”
The feedback from the event has already inspired interest from neighboring university associations, religious leaders, and environmental NGOs. Plans are underway to publish a short documentary and educational booklet based on the event, aimed at schools and temple communities.
Final Reflections 🕊️
“හරිත ප්‍රාර්ථනා” is a reminder that faith and environmentalism are not separate paths—but one intertwined journey. Through collaboration, purpose, and prayer, the event ignited a spark in hundreds of hearts to honor not only the teachings of Mahinda Thero but also the earth that carries them forward.
As night fell over Mihintale and the final chants echoed across the sacred hills, what lingered was not just sound—but a quiet resolve to tread more lightly, love more deeply, and protect more fiercely.