Our Story

Our story began with a small group of friends who grew up close to the Colombo’s wetlands. The greenery and wildlife around us were part of our everyday lives and made our neighborhoods and memories special. Living alongside this mix of city and nature helped us understand how valuable it is and why it needs protection.

What started as small clean-ups and volunteer activities slowly grew into something bigger. In 2021, this shared effort became Love a Tree Foundation, a registered non-profit based in Colombo.

In 2022, we became a member of the Wetland Link International (WLI) network, a global network of wetland education centers. Led by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), WLI connects over 350 members across six continents and supports wetland education and engagement activities worldwide.

Today, we continue our work to protect and restore Colombo’s urban wetlands through education, awareness, and community engagement, strengthening the bond between people and nature — especially among children, youth, and local communities.

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“A community of
nature- connected people for a happier planet.”

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Guided by our vision of “a community of nature-connected children for a happier planet,” we work to inspire people to learn about, experience, and care for Colombo’s wetlands through:

  • Environmental education to build wetland awareness among youth, schools, and families.
  • Community engagement to increase local participation in wetland conservation.
  • Research and knowledge sharing to support evidence-based environmental action.
  • Public communication to highlight wetlands’ role in climate and urban resilience.
  • Partnership building to foster inclusive, long-term stewardship networks.

We believe that when people understand and experience the value of wetlands, they become committed protectors of these vital ecosystems.



Our Team

Love a Tree Foundation is driven by a passionate group of community members working together with the advisory leadership of experienced wetland experts. United by a shared commitment to conservation, we strive to protect and restore our natural ecosystems while inspiring communities to value and safeguard them for generations to come.

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An urban sustainability specialist with over 12 years of experience in urban ecosystem research and nature-based solutions, she has contributed to key national initiatives such as the Colombo Wetland Management Strategy, Colombo’s Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation, and the development of Diyasaru and Gothatuwa Wetland Parks.

Dr. Chethika Gunasiri - Advisor

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A wetland specialist with over 20 years of experience in conservation, research, assessment, and management projects worldwide. He is a Director of 35percent and Co-Director of the Cobra Collective, supporting community empowerment through participatory approaches and innovative technologies.

Dr. Matthew Simpson - Advisor



Pictured here are Dr. Chethika Gunasiri and Narmadha Dangampola, our experts in wetland education; Madhu Dissanayake, our Co-Founder and Head of Programs; and Diesenie Harshitchandra and Rumashi Dissanayake, our passionate youth volunteers.

Many others who make this work possible are not captured in this photo, but they remain at the heart of everything we do. Together, we are a growing community united by our love for Colombo’s wetlands and our shared commitment to protecting them.