Development should embody environment protection - Patali

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

A country must develop its economy. It has to be controlled to protect the environment and the Earth, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

The minister was addressing the Mihikatha Horawa 2013 summit at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Centre recently.

The minister said the world's environment conditions are changing and all creatures, including human beings, are the victims of it.

He said the Ceylon Electricity Board can save Rs 9 billion annually if the Mihikatha Horawa programme is conducted every year.

Ranawaka said: "We have to save the environment and the Earth while developing the economy. We have to seek sustainable energy sources since fossil fuel will end in the next two or three decades. Attention has to be drawn on the sustainability of all sectors of development such as human and economic development".

Mihikatha Horawa plays a significant role in the world to make people aware of energy conservation. It conveys the message in 152 countries. Mihikatha Horawa 2013 will be held on March 23 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.