“Man has no future without the blessings from nature” – President

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – President Maithripala Sirisena said that mankind has no future without the blessings of the nature. He said this while addressing the Presidential Environmental Awards 2018 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo on Friday (19).

He said that every citizen who loves life and dream of the children’s future must think of the importance of nature and protect the environment.

Referring to the importance given by the Government to preserve environment and increase forest density and the projects launched for this purpose, the President said if every person plants a seed or a sapling on the days importance in their live, it would be a fulfilment of a great duty and responsibility for the sustainability of the human race.

The Environmental Conference and Exhibition of the “Sri Lanka Next- a Blue Green Era” National Programme has been organised by the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment in accordance with President Maithirila Sirisena’s vision to carry Sri Lanka towards a blue green era by encouraging environment-friendly industries and services.

Together with the Presidential Environmental Awards, several other events have been organised. They include environment exhibitions, media discussions, awareness programmes for school children, short film festivals and these programmes are conducted with a new vision to find answers for the problems faced by people currently and to find response to the challenges in the future. Under that, reducing the negative effects caused by climatic changes and adapting to such changes, eradicating the pollution caused by polythene and plastic, choosing environmental friendly energy sources, advancing green professions, socialising the concept of green cities and villages were given prominence.

President presented awards to those who made outstanding services in the field of environment protection. Later President visited the exhibition hall and observed the displayed items and held a friendly conversation with the staff members.

President was presented with the volume, ‘Presidential Environmental Awards Ceremony 2018.’

Ministers John Seneviratne, Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Daya Gamage, State Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake, Deputy Minister Ajith Mannapperuma, Governors, Chief Ministers, Secretary of the Ministry of Mahaweli and Environment, Anura Dissanayake, Central Environment Authority Chairman Chandraratna Pallegama and other Officials were present on this occasion.