‘Sustain Lanka’ National Celebration kicks off today

‘Sustain Lanka’ National Celebration, organized in parallel to the three year plan for a Toxin Free Nation, a concept of President Maithripala Sirisena and in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals announced by the United Nations, will be held from March 31st to April 04th at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo.

The inauguration ceremony of ‘Sustain Lanka’ National Celebration will be held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at 10.00 a. m. It will be open for public daily from tomorrow until April 04th from 9.00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sustain Lanka National Celebration will be held covering the Sustainable Development goals of poverty, agriculture, health, education, women empowerment, water, energy, employment, industries, reduce inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, climate change, marine biodiversity, peace and implementation of a common plan, announced by the UN at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015.

The exhibition stalls will be designed by respective ministries and various institutions displaying their visions and methods to achieve those goals. The five days of the exhibition have been allocated according to the UN Sustainable Development goals and separate themes will be used for each day.

The second day of this celebration will be held under the theme ‘Sustainable Livelihoods’. The priority will be given to the sustainable development goals; a world without poor, green jobs and sustainable industries.

The third day of the exhibition will be held under the theme of ‘A Space for the Environment’. On this day attention will be paid on Toxin-free foods, clean water, a path to protect the climate, an equitable space for all life, and a toxin-free ocean.

On the fourth day themed ‘A sound foundation’ priority will be given to a conscious society, Green energy and the concept ‘Onwards Together!’

The final day of the exhibition will be under the theme of ‘A quality society’ which will focus on ‘an equalized society, sustainable cities and communities and an equitable society’.

In addition, a series of cultural shows named ‘Gemi Ranga Madala’ will be held throughout the evenings of the five days.

There will be a media zone consist of the representatives of all print and electronic media of the country.

Art competitions for children, angam pora exhibitions, toxin free cookery programs, health clinics, green job fair, supporting programs for green entrepreneurs, publishing research reports, exhibition of new creations, debates, screening of films, farmers’ meetings, solutions for customers’ issues, physical fitness programs and intellectual discussions will be held in line with this national celebration.

The celebration has been organized in cooperation with state agencies, private firms, small scale entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, co-operative societies, scientists, creative artists, researchers, inventors, media personnel, school children, youth, farmer communities and consumers.