Green Month from Oct 15 to Nov 15:

Plan to combat climate change not implemented - Minister

Chamikara Weerasinghe

There is no comprehensive plan to combat climate change and global warming after 2012 for the world and the existing plan to combat the harmful effects of climate change has not been fully implemented yet, said Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka on Monday. He was speaking at a press conference held at the Environment and Natural Resources Development Ministry.

He announced the launching of a Green Month in the country from October 15 to November 15. The Cabinet has approved the Green Month. It is envisioned to convene the public to effectively fight and support the efforts to combat the danger posed by climate change.

The Minister said countries like Sri Lanka has been exposed to extreme weather conditions such as floods and heatwaves owing to action of developed countries who have been emitting greenhouse gases to the environment by burning coal, oil and gases without any control.

Speaking on the Green Month, the Minister said: “It will be a step forward to ensure public participation to combat the harmful effects of climate change. It is expected to establish a firm footing to lead the country to take comprehensive action to support local, regional and global efforts in combating climate change.”

“The Green Month has been introduced under the program of Nilla Pirunu Ratak in the Mahinda Chinthana,” he said.

“Of all problems of climate change we are likely to face with the biggest will be mosquito menace and water related issues,“ said Ranawaka.

The Minister called for the support of the public , the private sector and the government and said that everybody must come together with equal force to fight the consequences of global warming.