National Green Reporting System launched

The Ministry of Environment launched the National Green Reporting System of Sri Lanka on Friday to enhance the environmental, social and economical performance of industry and service sectors of the country. "This intern will facilitate industries and services of the country to improve their corporate sustainability performance and stay in the global and local competitive market systems," Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said addressing the gathering at the launching ceremony.

"It has become necessary of doing business transforming end-of-pipe line solutions to pollution prevention and reduction and minimization of resource degradation," Minister Yapa said.

The ceremony was held at the Water's Edge Hotel in Battaramulla with the participation of top personnel from both government and private sectors. Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Deputy Minister of Environment Abdul Cader and several other distinguished guests were present. The book on 'Reporting Guidelines' was launched at the ceremony.

"This reporting system was initiated by the Ministry in line with the requirement set out under the policy for greening the industries as per the National Action Plan for Green Lanka Program launched in 2009," said Padmini Batuwitage, Additional Secretary (Environment and Policy) of the Ministry of Environment.

According to Batuwitage the initial draft guidelines were developed with the technical assistance of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce through SWITCH-Asia program funded by the European Union. -DY