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These artefacts bear evidence to the degree of concern that ancient Sri Lankan rulers had for the protection of the natural environment. The reason for their explicit interest in conserving the Mee tree could be that the ancestors were aware of the value of the tree in preventing soil erosion, conserving water, cooling the environment, providing food and medicinal substances and ensuring the survival of various animal species. Owing to its’ importance in the livelihood of the people, the Mee tree was sometimes chosen as the site for religious and spiritual rituals in villages (Figure 3).