Managing environment vital for economic prosperity

by L.S.A. Wedaarachchi

It is vital to manage the environment effectively for the prosperity of the present and future generations. While addressing the task of promoting economic development in the country, it is essential to ensure that development activities are environmentally sustainable.

The Mahinda Chintanaya envisages ensuring sound developmental management within a framework of sustainable development.

To draw attention to all sections of the society about environmental management and environmental issues, a National Environment Week is being organised islandwide from October 1 to 7 on the instructions and guidance of the Minister of Agriculture, Environment, Irrigation and Mahaveli Development Maithripala Sirisena. The National Environment Week is organised by the Ministry of Environment.

Each day of the National Environment Week has been assigned for a special purpose. Sunday, October 1, the first day of the environment week is devoted to media. It is expected to create an environmental awareness among the masses through the mass media. The second day is for the public sector. A program to clean and reorganise the offices will be implemented on this day. The third day of the week is devoted to the urban sector.

The tree planting campaign will be on October 4. Plants will be presented to all schoolchildren on this day. Four million valuable plants will be planted under this program.

The main function of the National Environment Week will be held at the Weerakatiya Central College in Hambantota. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be the chief guest on the occasion.

The minister in charge of environment Maithripala Sirisena has directed all heads of Departments and Corporations under the Environment Ministry to take measures to clean their head offices as well as provincial branches and offices.

The minister said that when he visited some branch offices in the provinces during his official visits, he found that some of those places were not up to standard, specially when it comes to cleanliness. "The masses who come to government offices, seeking official assistance or services should be looked after promptly and courteously.

The neatness and cleanliness of government offices undoubtedly creates the proper environment for such friendly and pleasant attitudes," he said.

"Creating a healthy and pleasant sustainable environment conducive for national economic development and a satisfying lifestyle for our citizens is my desire," he said.

Meanwhile, a presidential task force on environment under the chairmanship of Dr. Harischandra Wijetunga has been appointed. The nine-member task force consists of Prof Nimal Gunatileka, Prof. Hiran Dias, Prof. Kapila Dahanayaka, Sagarika Rajakarunanayaka, Leslie De S. Wijesinghe, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratna, Jagath Gunawardana and Dr. R.L.S. De Wijemuni. The Secretary of the Environment Ministry is the convenor of the task force.