Natural resources deteriorate due to our irresponsibility

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

Environment: Over 300 plants were planted in the Tree Planting Campaign organised by The National Council for Economic Development (NCED) in collaboration with the United Nations on February 4. This was launched in line with the United Nations Millenium Development Goal (MDG) of ensuring environmental sustainability.

"The tree planting campaign was conducted in St. Sebastian College, Kandana, Kibulapitiya Maha Vidyalaya and Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo.

The planting campaign was attended by a large number of students in all three schools including Principals, teachers, parents and the officials of the Regional Education Office, Negombo," National Programme Director Sherman Gunatillake said. Gunatillake requested the schoolchildren to be ambassadors to carry the message of protecting our environment.

"The natural resources in our country is deteriorating mainly due to irresponsible acts of its people. In particular, polluting water resources and soil erosion in Nuwara Eliya District occurs due to irresponsible fertilizing. Careless gem mining, illegal forest cutting and irrational river sand mining destroy the nature," he added.

Godfrey Cooray, National Advocate for the United Nations MDG programme said that MDGs are world targets for dramatically reducing poverty, hunger, decease, exclusion, lack of infrastructure and shelter. " These goals are set to be achieved while promoting gender equality, education, health and environment sustainability. Sri Lanka can meet these goals if we commit ourselves for a better future," he said.

Cooray stressed that the importance of National ownership and channelling true national expertise in all these initiatives in order to ensure sustainability.

Sanath Perera, Director of Divisional Education Office, Ja-ela and S. C. Abeyakirthi Assistant Agricultural Director, Zonal education office Negombo were also present at the occasion.