In the heart of Moratuwa, a once-polluted space, damaged by industrial waste has undergone a remarkable transformation. The land, once filled with degrading nylon and toxic chemicals, seemed unfit for life until Dilmah Conservation took on the challenge.
Restoring a degraded environment is no simple task. It’s not just about soil; it’s about reviving an entire lost ecosystem, an effort that takes time, patience, and commitment. Over a decade, our team worked to restore soil health and reestablish ecological balance. Today, this land stands as a thriving research hub, advancing studies in organic gardening, ecosystem services, and soil sciences.
A Model for Sustainable Farming
Spanning approximately 100 perches (0.62 acres), the Organic Farm at the One Earth Centre, Moratuwa cultivates a wide variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables ranging from upcountry crops like kale to low-country staples such as brinjals, long beans, and chillies.
The harvest supports multiple initiatives, including the MJF Charitable Foundation’s weekly sales and twice-weekly vegetable collections by WDP all driven by the vision of our founder, Merrill J. Fernando: “Business is a Matter of Human Service.”
But this space is more than just a farm; it’s a learning hub, a model for creating economically viable organic gardens in limited urban spaces. From traditional farming methods to innovative techniques, visitors can explore:
Vertical Gardens – balcony gardens, crop towers, keylock gardens, tripods, and crop tables.
Aquaponic Systems – supporting gardening in a soilless environment.
Sustainable Farming Techniques – mixed cropping, crop rotation, permaculture, mandala gardens, and protected houses.
Fertiliser Production – liquid fertilizers such as vermiwash, vermicompost, and jeewamrutha from organic waste.
Biogas Units – generating affordable renewable energy for home use.
A Centre for Learning & Research
Being equipped with an arboretum, butterfly garden, and model organic farm, our Moratuwa One Earth Centre is the go-to spot for learning and research. This is where we hold educational lectures, facilitate hands-on practical sessions, and research projects, giving students real-world exposure.
University students, like those from Sri Jayawardenapura University’s Department of Urban Bio-resources, come here to explore soil fertility, sustainable farming, and farm design, gaining knowledge as part of their practical component learning to apply them beyond the classroom.
It’s also the perfect place for Parisara Niyamu (Environment Pioneers) to complete their requirements and earn their medals, with plenty of guidance on organic home gardening. In 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting students from 22 schools in the Colombo District, equipping them with the tools to bring sustainable practices back to their communities. With a total of 2500 visitors benefiting from our programs this year, each session wraps up with a guided tour, sparking a deeper passion for protecting our planet.
Parisara Niyamu (Environmental Pioneers) undergoing practicals so they can be awarded Merit Badges.
We believe these young minds will carry this knowledge forward, applying it in their own communities and shaping a more sustainable future.
