Politicians commit much environmental damage - Fowzie
 

by Florence Wickramage

Environment and Natural Resources Minister A.H.M. Fowzie said that even if he does not get elected to Parliament at a future date, he will continue with the Environmental Protection Work, he commenced as a Government Minister with the help of others interested in protecting nature.

It is during election time that politicians commit much of the environmental damage by acceding to the wishes of their supporters and in party politics it is difficult for a politician to harness the support of the majority of communities for Environmental protection.

Minister Fowzie expressed these sentiments when he laid the foundation stone for a new Visitor Centre at the Jathika Namal Uyana on Monday, the construction of which will be in conjunction with the Tourism Ministry.

The Jathika Namal Uyana has become famous as a `retreat' (Jathika Vana Arana) due to the siting of the Discussion Centre already established and tastefully designed to blend with the natural surroundings. The Uyana records as much as 1000 visitors per day on weekends and holidays.

Among developments mapped out for the Namal Uyana include an Information Centre, Recreation facilities for visitors both local and foreign, drinking water and toilet facilities, vehicle parking areas and refreshment stalls.

The Tourism Ministry plans to promote eco-tourism due to the archaeological and historical value attached to the Namal Uyana.