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by Florence Wickramage

Despite whatever pressure is brought upon by interested parties on the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the functions of conservation and protection of forests, wildlife and other natural heritages bequeathed on us by our forefathers will be carried on undaunted said Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Rukman Senanayake yesterday briefing the media on the Ministry's 100 days programme.

A priority concern of the Ministry will be to enlist people's participation in the conservation and protection of all the natural resources in the country since legal cover alone was not sufficient.

In the meantime penalities and punishments imposed on suspects found guilty of contravening the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance will be enhanced.

Minister Senanayake said the programmes identified by the Ministry to be undertaken during the 100 days will have an impact on the development of the economy on the community as a whole and as the rural sector. Most of the projects to be undertaken will be in line with the sustainable development sector.

The Minister further said these projects include Management of Geological Resources, Solid Waste Mangement Project, Samanala Adaviya Enironmental Development Programme, Upper Watershed Management Project, Protection of Lagoons i.e. Negombo from pollution, Beautifying Mahamevuna Uyana, the creation of an Elephant Corridor connecting Yala and Udawalawe, Development of the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the Turtle Conservation Project at Bundala, the declaration of the areas under the purview of the Central Environment Authority as a "Green area" and the setting up of three more outlets for the State Timber Corporation.

Another key factor the Government will concentrate is to be a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol on Air Pollution.

Minister Rukman Senanayake emphasised that whatever expertise is welcome from foreign donor agencies and NGOs as the government as the `caretaker' is committed to safeguard the local interests of the country's natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

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