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Environment, vital factor in development

by Colombo East group correspondent

The Central Environmental Authority organised a workshop at the House and Building Planning Centre (CHBP) at Pelawatte, Battaramulla last Friday to discuss and obtain views and suggestions from Heads of local Government authorities and other relevant institutions on the devolution of certain powers and functions of the Central Environmental Authority. How such functions should be carried out was discussed. In the implementation of environmental policies what suitable amendments and improvements should be considered were also brought into discussion.

At the opening session the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Sunil Sarath Perera said that in the formulation of environment policy it is essential to be aware of the concerns applicable to the 21st century. Hence it is important to follow agenda 21 of the International Declaration on Environment. The matters raised in this agenda which contains 40 chapters need to be adhered to in development both at national and regional level in this country.

Environment today has become a vital factor in all forms of development activity in the country. New knowledge and information on environment and development are available now and the volume continues to increase. Hence all those who are involved in development activities at national and regional level have to be equipped with the latest knowledge and information, he said.

The environmental activities taking place at regional level in neighbouring India is relevant to the situation in Sri Lanka, he emphasised. The River Development Program of India is of particular interest to Sri Lanka. By this program the rivers in that country are environmentally purified. The methods they use in India may be applied in the purification of water in Sri Lankan rivers. India uses simple technology which is not expensive for this purpose, he said.

In his recent visit to India, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Rukman Senanayake examined how India has implemented its river water purification program. He has made arrangements to obtain the advice of Indian experts in the purification of river water in Sri Lanka.

A. Jayasekera, acting Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, presided at the workshop. Director, Central Environmental Authority, Lional Jayasinghe and the former Secretary of Provincial Councils and Local Government, J. G. Keertiratne also participated at the workshop. 

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