President emphasises strictly following law in protecting environment

President Maithripala Sirisena stressed that it is the responsibility of all the officers to fulfill their responsibilities and duties appropriately while taking part in the Government’s initiatives to protect the environment for the future generations.

He made these remarks addressing the 17th Annual Conference of the Regional Environment Officers Association of the Central Environmental Authority at the Auditorium of the Association in Battaramulla, Tuesday (28).

“This is an era that we should pay our special attention to matters relating to the environment and also regarding those who ignore the importance of it,” the President pointed out.

He further said that it is the responsibility of the officers to strictly enforce the laws with regard to persons who engage in illegal activities that destroy the environment.

President Sirisena said the Police officers, Divisional Secretary and environmental officers in a certain area are responsible for activities damaging the environment. He further said that all the officers should commit themselves to fulfill their respective duties in a proper manner with a great dedication.

The President recalled that for the first time in the history of the country as the Minister of Environment he utilised the contribution of the armed forces to protect the environment.

At the event, the Chairman of the Regional Environment Officers Association presented a memo including the suggestions and requests of the association to the President.

Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Udaya R. Seneviratne , Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority , Prof. Lal Mervin Dharmasiri , Director General  K. H. Muthukudaarachchi and the members of the Regional Environmental Officers Association also participated in the event.