President at National Green Awards:

Development while protecting environment

Rasika SOMARATHNA

Sri Lanka’s industries and service sector orgnizations which made outstanding contributions to maintain a cleaner and greener environment through pollution control, waste and resources management, cleaner production and green productivity were recognized and rewarded for their good environmental performance at “National Green Awards - 2012” held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the BMICH yesterday evening.

President Rajapaksa whilst stating that the performance of award winners was an example for others to follow, also noted that such recognition will encourage both award winners and others to reach even greater standards in future in demonstrating good environmental performance.

The President also stressed the present government always gives priority to protecting the natural riches bestowed on the country by nature. He also added that the country plans to reach its development goals, while protecting and preserving the environment.

Forty nine awards were presented under 16 categories with environmentally-friendly organizations being selected by an expert panel of judges after a lengthy review of their performance.

The Green Awards organized by the the Central Environmental Authority and the Ministry of Environment were held for the second consecutive year..

The former CEA Chairman and the current Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information, Charitha Herath was bestowed with a special award in recognition for services rendered during his tenure as the CEA head.

Enviornment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and CEA Chairman Wimal Rubasinghe also spoke.

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Enviornment Deputy Minister Abdul Cader, A.H.M.Azwer MP, provincial politicians and environmental officials were also present.