President vows strict action against government officials for unauthorised building, environmental

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday vowed to take strict action against government officials for any unauthorised building or environmental pollution.

“If any unauthorised buildings or environmental pollution happens damaging the canal and river preservations in any area, strict actions will be taken against the responsible government officials in the areas,” President Sirisena said.

President Sirisena, speaking at a ceremony to declare the National Environment Week said the government is committed to protect the public servants who fulfill their responsibilities properly. “Similarly, the government will not hesitate to take action against the officials who don’t execute their duties,” the President added.

The ceremony to declare the National Environment Week, implemented in parallel to the World Environment Day that falls on 5 June, was held Monday at the Sevamuktha Kandavura Maha Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa.

A large number of environmental programs has been organized island wide to be held during the National Environment Week from 30 May to 5 June.

“We should curse not the rain but those who destroyed the environment for the terrible conditions we faced due to the flood and earth slips, caused by adverse weather conditions,” the President said.

Recalling that the people who lived in the unauthorised houses in the Kelani River Reservation and in the buildings on water ways, had to suffer from the flood for number of days, the President said the politicians and the government officials are the people who should be responsible for the disaster.

“Our country has a rich history in protecting natural resources and the quality of biodiversity, but during the past few decades as a result of arbitrary actions by some politicians paved the way for environmental destruction.”

President Sirisena warned the people to be aware of the tragedy the world has to face tomorrow because of the increasing environmental damage. “It is the responsibility of all of us to implement development activities while protecting the environment,” he said.

Contributing to the National Environment Week activities is not a responsibility only limited to the Ministry of Environment, the President said that adding the active participation of all State and Private institutions, school children and the general public is also important in this regard.

President Sirisena planted a Na sapling at the school premises to mark the Tree Planting Program implemented in line with the National Environment Week.

Gold medals were awarded for the Environmental Pioneer Brigade in the Dimbulagala area. During the event the plants were distributed among the school children and the public.

The President also opened the new building of the Palugasdamana Multi-Cooperative Society where he started his career as a cooperative supplies officer in 1974. He also presented felicitation awards to two senior members of the Cooperative Society of Palugasdamana.