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Sri Lanka's forest cover now only 20%

by Florence Wickramage

The Minister of Transport and Environmental Protection, Dinesh Gunawardene speaking at the National Tree Planting Day celebrations held at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara on Thursday, said: "The protection of our natural resources like forests require a committed and devoted course of action under the accepted theme of sustainable development. Air, water, trees and plants are the country's natural heritages. It is necessary to protect these resources ensuring an ecological balance for the sustenance of the nation."

The Minister further pointed out that the challenge facing the nation in the 21st century was the protection of the fast dwindling forest cover, and the duty of the present generation was to protect this resource for future generations. Minister Gunawardene stressed the need to protect the environment if the country was to attain self sufficiency.

The Minister of Irrigation, Forestry, Food and Cooperative Development D.M. Jayaratne stated that Sri Lanka's forest cover stood at 61% in the year 1955 which has dwindled to 20% in the present day. There could be no sustenance of anything without natural resources like air, water and soil. Therefore it was the duty of everyone to protect the environment while at the same time ensuring sustainable development the Minister pointed out.

The Chief Priest of the Kelaniya Raja Viharaya Ven. Dr. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera said that the national tree planting ceremony being held at the Vihara premises was historically important since Kelaniya had been hallowed by a visit of Lord Buddha.

Many school children participated at the tree planting ceremony. Among others who attended the ceremony were the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Environment Mr. Susiriwardena, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry, Sunil Sarath Perera and Thosapala Hewage, Provincial Council Ministers and other officials.

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