All public servants must protect forest resources: President

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday stressed that all public servants have a responsibility beyond their limits of assigned duties, in achieving national development goals while increasing the density of forests across the country.

He made these remarks addressing a ceremony to present appointment letters to newly-appointed officers of the Department of Forest Conservation as well as to present Productivity Awards for forest offices, held at the premises of Ape Gama in Battaramulla, yesterday. 

The President emphasised that all Government officials should be committed themselves to safeguard international agreements and conventions adopted by Sri Lanka on protecting forest resources and environmental conservation, as well as to  properly implement the decisions taken at national level. 

President Sirisena expressed confidence that the officials who received appointments yesterday would work with commitment in directing programs launched by the Government to protect the environment and to increase the forest density, and explained the necessity of a program to increase the forest cover of the Gampaha district which is only 2%.

The President also said that had had issued instructions to all the heads of the institutions to give appointments impartially promoting the policy of good governance.   He pointed out the importance of working towards winning future challenges before the country, while enhancing the efficiency of the public sector, which is within 30% to 32% at present. 

Deputy Minister of Environment Ajith Mannapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Anura Dissanayaka, Secretary to the State Ministry of Mahaweli Development Shantha Wijayaratne and Conservator General of Forests S. A. Anura Sathurusinghe were also present.