Green awards to promote environmental protection

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) which is aiming to promote a green economy in the country will conduct the 'National Green Awards 2011' to encourage industries to protect the environment.

CEA Chairman Charitha Herath told the Sunday Observer that the awards ceremony, which is being organised with the Ministry of Environment, will be held on the World Environment Day on June 5 and will present awards to industries which have best implemented environmental pollution mitigation in their production processes.

"Many countries have switched to green economic policies in line with their development goals. In Sri Lanka too, a green economy is emerging and as the implementing agency, the CEA needs to take the lead in converting businesses into green businesses", he said.

Herath said with the Government's new development targets in the post- conflict era, preserving the environment was vital to maintain a balance in the environment and development activities. He also said that industries could play a major role in mitigating their impact on the environment.

Industries under the categories of Chemical and petrochemicals, Textiles, Leather, Garments, Vehicle service stations, Food and food-related, Metal crushers, Hotels, Medical services, Mines and mineral processing and Rubber and rubber-related products operating with the Environmental Protection Licence can apply for National Green Awards. Herath said. Government and Local Government institutions and schools which conduct environmental pioneer programs can also apply for the awards.

Herath stressed that the main aim of this all island program is to promote sustainable management of the environment.

The program has been organised with the guidance and supervision of Minister of Environment Anura Priyadarshana Yapa. "It will lead businesses, social groups and institutions in to one common goal - conserve our environment. Applications and further details on the awards can be obtained from newspapers and the CEA website, www.cea.lk," he said.