Pioneers in the indigenous Ayurvedic industry, the Siddhalepa Group of companies initiated as part of its corporative social responsibility the school herd gardens project with the aim of including in the younger generation the value of Ayurveda, Over the years school children have been encouraged to grow herbs, particularly the threatened species, in their school gardens and to build herbaria as part of their extracurricular activities. The project is now operative in 25 schools island-wide.

Cultivating Ayurvedic herbs, identifying and classifying them, preparing and using compost, preserving herbs and appreciating the value of indigenous herbs through workshops and other activities are part of the project. Principals, teachers, parents and the community have all acclaimed the program as one of priceless national importance.

Herb gardens were established in 21 schools in different parts of the country and recently the project was extended to four selected schools in Rathnapura district under the aegis of the Lyn de Alwis Wild Life Trust and the young,