President emphasises need to protect environment

President Maithripala Sirisena marking World Wetlands Day emphasised the need to protect the environment for the well-being of every living being.

“All parties should get together to fulfil the responsibility to protect the environment for the well-being of all beings including humans,” says President Maithripala Sirisena.

He pointed out that if the people continue the degradation of environment, they will have to carry oxygen containers for their survival. “Nobody can neglect the timely responsibility to protect the environment,” he added.

The President made these remarks at the National Program to mark World Wetland Day, held in Kakkapalliya, Chilaw. The program has been organised under the theme of ‘Wetlands for our future: Sustainable livelihoods’.

Speaking further, the President said that the attention of the entire world is now paid on the protection of natural resources including the wetlands. Pointing out that not only the United Nations Organisation but also Non-Governmental Organisations has paid a comprehensive attention towards the environmental conservation, he added that the current Government is committed to protect the environment while preserving the great creations of nature according to international charters as well as the policy of the Government.

President Sirisena watched the drawings of the winners of ‘Theth Bim Sithuwam (Drawings under the title of Wetlands) – 2016 island wide competition and presented the gifts to the winners.

The souvenir stamp issued to mark World Wetland Day – 2016 was presented to the President by the Postmaster General of Sri Lanka at this occasion.

The third edition of the book ‘Theth Bim Asiriya’ (The Beauty of the Wetlands) was also presented to President Sirisena.

The President joined planting of Kadolana plants during the program.

Minister Gamini Jayawickrema Perera, State Ministers Priyankara Jayaratne, Palitha Range Bandara, Deputy Minister Anuradha Jayaratne, Governor of the Eastern Province Austin Fernando, Chief Minister of Wayamba Province Dharmasiri Dassanayake, Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli and Environment Udaya R. Seneviratne and the Chairman of Central Environment Authority Prof. Mervin Lal Dharmasiri also participated in this occasion.