Message of H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena Hon. Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment

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If there is a life-long companion of man from birth it is none other than the environment. So intimate is the relationship between man and environment. Environment is the life blood, the heart, of man which keeps him alive. I consider it a unique privilege accorded to me to be in charge of the Ministry of Environment because of the deep-rooted attachment I have to the movement of Mahaveli development and the environment.

Today, throughout the world there has arisen an environmentally destructive situation caused by the phenomenon of global industrialization and urbanization that takes place almost on a daily basis. Although the process of development of the country depends largely on economic progress, of equal importance is the necessity to focus on environmental conservation of the country as well. In the same manner that the economic and social wellbeing of the people is ensured by the existence of factories, the service rendered by a healthy people too is essential for a country. The responsibility of the entire staff of the Central Environmental Authority is by no means a small one in this regard.

As the President of Sri Lanka and Minister of Mahaveli Development and Environment, I am entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a sound and green environment with good physical and mental health by giving effect to the process of environment conservation in a more effective manner for the future generation of the country. It is my firm belief that the entire staff of the CEA headed by its Chairman and Director General will extend their fullest co-operation to me in this noble task. I wish you the ability to perform this good deed with the good intention it deserves.

Mithreepala Sirisena
Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment