Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the environmental protection should not be limited to a single day, but must become an integral part of everyday life. The Prime Minister further noted that the development cannot be achieved by ignoring the environment.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending as the Chief Guest at the State ceremony held to mark World Wetlands Day under the theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage,”held today (02) at the “Ape Gama” premises in Battaramulla.
During the occasion, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi, officially declared Gonameriya as a protected area. The event also featured the launch of the Waterfall Catalogue, the Waterfall Directory and the magazine “Wetlands Sri Lanka” and certificates were awarded to the winners of the All-Island Art Competition conducted in commemoration of World Wetlands Day.
Further elaborating, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted,
Sri Lanka’s traditional irrigation systems and agricultural practices embody unique scientific knowledge that does not harm the environment.
Knowledge is not confined to a single form and children should study and learn from this traditional knowledge. Sri Lanka’s irrigation systems and agriculture are founded on a science that protects nature.
Wetlands are not merely marshy lands, but serve as a natural shield that protects the water systems, climatic stability, and biodiversity of the country. In the face of adverse climate changes such as recent cyclones, proper environmental protection is essential to minimize damage. The protection of natural resources forms the fundamental basis of the policy vision “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
The event was attended by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, along with Ministry Secretaries and a large number of government officials.
Prime Minister’s Media Division