Technical revolution led to environmental pollution - Minister Ranawake

Mohammed NAALIR

COLOMBO: The technical revolution that swept Western countries led to immense environmental pollution and caused damage to the ozone layer, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawake said on Wednesday.

The development activities undertaken in the early 18th century in the Western countries and the use of diverse material in their development process caused severe damage to the ozone layer and the environment, he said.

Addressing the International Ozone Day ceremony at the Public Library auditorium Minister Ranawake said it is doubtful whether the environment could be protected to the population explosion.

Minister Ranawake expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would be a prominent country in the South Asian region and be an example to the international community in environment protection .

He said every development project carried out by the developed countries brought in its wake environmental pollution and damaged the ozone layer.

He said his Ministry has taken measures to convert Sri Lanka into a country which protects the environment and also its flora and fauna.

The contribution of the media and the students are crucial to achieve this target. Minister Ranawake also distributed certificates and prizes to the students who won in the Environment Day competitions.