A green forest in every village - Basil
Govt striving hard to protect country's natural
environment:
It will be ideal to set up a green forest in each village under the
Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma programmes,Economic Development Minister
Basil Rajapaksa said.
He said, “We have promoted love towards forests and adopted the use
of forest friendly words such as Kotuwel Kelle and Kevita in the past.
In line with this tradition we hope to create a forest in each village
so that future generations would stand to benefit”.
Minister Rajapaksa was addressing an awareness workshop on climate
change organized by the UNDP at the Mt. Lavinia Hotel for state
officials attached to the Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma programmes on June
29.
The Minister said: “The government is striving hard to protect and
enhance the country's natural environment system. It appreciated the
warnings offered by the UNDP about climatic changes in the country,
which have increased in recent times. We are duty bound to protect the
environment.
“Through the Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma we provided facilities to
the people to ensure food security. We cannot stop climate change, we
are however building an environment friendly agricultural industry.
“We hope to bring in stringent legislation to ensure protection of
forest and national vegetarian,” Minister Rajapaksa said.
Environment Development Ministry Additional Secretary R.A.A.K.
Ranawaka and Divi Neguma programme director Jayatillake Herath were also
present at the occasion.
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