Lack of proper dialogue, cooperation, collective effort cause for problems - Maithripala

Sheila UDUWARA

BATTARAMULLA: The lack of proper dialogue, co-operation and collective effort has been the root cause for many current problems, Agriculture, Environment, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

He was speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Sri Lanka Institute of Environmentalists at Parisara Piyasa at the Central Environmental Authority premises, Battaramulla recently.

The Institute was set up on the Minister's concept to uphold the dignity and raise the reputation of the environmental profession in Sri Lanka and expand its service to the country. The institute is an independent body governed by a Committee of 15 members appointed that day.

The Minister said in Sri Lanka most of the Professionals groups have established their own professional institutes to uphold and improve their own professions.

"Environmental Professionals render an important service in all sectors including private, NGO, University and State. However the lack of such a professional body had been a major drawback in the environmental profession in Sri Lanka", Sirisena said.

The Minister said organisational strength and ability was a prime necessity for the success of any endeavour. The institute would be of great assistance in carrying forward government's environmental policies.

Referring to the proposed Water Bill, the Minister said it is aimed to entertain people's views toward formulating a water management policy rather than to privatise water supply.

A proper water management policy was an urgent necessity to overcome the predicted future water shortage, Sirisena said.

CEA Chairman Karunasena Hettiarachchi and CEA Director General Mervyn Gunasekera also spoke.