No ‘Maithri’ for polythene, asbestos biz

President Maithripala Sirisena

Come 2018, Sri Lanka will not have polythene and asbestos being manufactured or marketed, according to plans set by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Speaking in Kandy at a school-level environment protection program, President declared he would enforce strict laws to prevent use of polythene and imports of asbestos which had become a major threat to the environment and the wellbeing of the people.

He said that strict laws would be enforced from 1 January 2016 to prevent use of polythene, while assuring that he would completely ban the production of polythene from 1 January 2018. The same fate awaits asbestos. 

President Sirisena recalled that as Health Minister although he made plans to outlaw the use of polythene and prevent import of asbestos, it was not possible to implement them.

“However, today everybody is supporting that program. Those decisions will be put into action without bowing down to any private company or institution,” the President said, addressing the ceremony held at the President’s House in Kandy to present certificates to the school children in Kandy District for the environmental service program.

President Sirisena, emphasising on the importance of protecting the environment, recalled that there was no other philosopher than Lord Buddha who spoke about the value of the environment. Therefore, he said everybody has the responsibility to protect the environment as Buddhist people who follow the path of the Buddha.

The environmental service program was organised for the 12th year by the Central Environmental Authority and the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment.

Environmental pilots who contributed to the environmental service were felicitated at this occasion. The President presented awards and presents to the school children and principals who contributed to the program.

The souvenir of environmental service which is offered to the Sacred Tooth Relic was presented to the President by the Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority Prof. Lal Mervyn Dharmasiri.

The book titled ‘Pujaniya Dalada Sanskruthiya’ (Sacred Tooth Relic Culture) and the project report of the preservation of Kadolana were presented to the President by Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake.

Governor of the Central Province Surangani Ellawala, MP Lakshaman Kiriella, Secretary to the President P. B. Abeykoon and Mayor Mahendra Ratwatte also participated in the ceremony.