Past environmental destruction haunting world - Vanniyalage Eththo

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The world is facing retribution for the acts of others who damaged the environment in the past. Environment pollution has become a common problem for everyone due to the sins of others who have acted in a manner that damaged the natural environment, said Uruvarige Vanniyalage Eththo.

Participating the launching ceremony of the Mihithuru monthly publication of the ANCL yesterday, he said young people should be guided to protect the environment.

"Planting a tree is a great thing to do with children to celebrate their birthdays. If that person lives for 50 years, he can plant 50 trees during his life time," Vanniyalage Eththo said. "We always depend on nature and live in harmony with it. The environment provides us essentials of life like food, water, fresh air etc. You may think that you live because of your parents or money that you earned. But we cannot live without the support of the environment," he said. Vanniyalage Eththo said animals living in forests have simple methods of living.

"They used to find something for daily consumption. They live in harmony with the environment. But human beings are different. They are always trying to store money and other assets for another 20-30 years. Because of that, they neglect their duties," he said. "In the past, people used to worship before entering a forest. But today a forest cries when people enter the forest as it feels that something bad will happen to it." he said.

He said the world is developing rapidly. "This is good. But some development projects harm the environment. Development should not destroy the environment," he said.