Green economy concept not a novelty to Lankans - Minister Anura Yapa

Disna MUDALIGE

The introduction of the “green economy” concept is an attempt by the world to return to the economic practices followed by our ancestors and is not a new phenomenon but a very familiar concept for us, said Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.

He was addressing the “World Environment Day 2012” national ceremony at Royal College, Colombo yesterday under the theme “Green Economy: Does it Include You?”.

He observed that the capitalist economic system and centrally planned economic systems have failed and have proven to be unsuccessful.

“It is at this stage that the world has understood the value of our green economic practices which have been practised throughout Sri Lanka’s history,” he noted.

The minister noted that Sri Lanka has shown a keen interest towards environmental conservation, building awareness among our future generation is paramount. He observed that the Environment Ministry with the coordination of the Education Ministry has decided to construct green houses in each selected school for the 1000 secondary schools development programme.

He noted that genuine efforts for environmental conservation and management should come from the people themselves, without forcing them through strict laws and regulations.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena observed that directives have been given to the National Institute of Education to include environmental studies in the Science and Social Studies subjects.

Western Province Agriculture, Agrarian Development, Minor Irrigation, Industries and Environmental Affairs Minister Udaya Gammanpila said Sri Lanka is the only country which has exceeded USD 2000 in per capita income while maintaining the level of carbon emissions below one metric tons per capita. He also noted that the forest cover in Sri Lanka is 29 percent while the rate in the world is only 10.4 percent of the total land. He stated Sri Lanka can be showcased as a fine example on sustainable development for the world to follow.

He said the attention of the international media is focused on the Rio+20 summit which is to commence within another 15 days as it would decide the destiny of the world.

Royal College Principal Upali Gunasekara said the school has initiated a number of environmental friendly projects,including rain water harvesting within the school while supporting other schools in the city in this purpose, composting and recycling, bio gas production which caters to 60 percent of the energy requirement at the hostel, solar power and electricity saving projects.

A recycling plant was also opened at the school premises parallel to Environment Day. A special commemorative stamp and cover were issued on the occasion to mark the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). An environment related exhibition was also held at the school.

Environment Ministry Secretary B M U D Basnayake and Central Environmental Authority chairman Charitha Herath also spoke.

Environment Deputy Minister Abdul Cadar, Western Province Governor Alevi Mowlana, Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil, Norwegian, Cuban and Japanese ambassadors to Sri Lanka and many distinguished guests were also present.