Efforts are being made to increase the forest cover to 30 percent – Minister Wanniarachchi

Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi said in Parliament yesterday (27) that it is everyone’s duty to create a pleasant and beautiful environment where not only humans but also animals can live.

The Minister said this while joining the debate held under the financial heads of the Ministries of Environment and Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation.

The Minister further said that this parliament should behave as a parliament that works in an important way. Thank you for submitting some positive proposals to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation as the Leader of the Opposition. In our department we are trying to get rid of dependence on State funds by collecting some kind of funds. Compared to last year, this year we have achieved 135 percent of revenue collection.

Efforts are being made to increase the forest cover to 30 percent. International agreements have even been signed for that. Plantation of mangroves is a project that the Department of Forest Conservation is very keen on. It is even appreciated internationally. A mechanism to combat forest crime is to be implemented.

Rural people have various problems related to insurance. Two Cabinet Papers have been presented for that. These programmes are implemented with the support of the community. In the next year, steps are being taken to build an electric fence to stop this problem of human elephant conflict. Preliminary data is currently being collected for three elephant tracks. Humans have encroached on the habitats of elephants. That is why elephants come to villages.

Children should be taught at an early age to restore the damaged environment, turn the land with thorn bushes into manure, and protect the planted tree and the sprouting tree.

Then when they become adults, they become a group that protects the environment. We can live without eating or drinking. But you can’t live without breathing. The duties of forest officers should be prescribed under the Forest Conservation Ordinance. It is the only body that represents the State Timber Corporation. There is currently a downturn in the construction industry. Wood is being exported to foreign markets.

This institution works to supply the demand for wood. Steps are being taken to improve this field by substituting new technology. The resources for human survival must be protected.

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Strong policy framework and ordinances needed to face current climate changes – Min Dr. Rambukwella

Environment Minister Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella said in Parliament yesterday (27) that a strong policy framework and ordinances are needed as a country to face the current climate changes, and the Ministry of Environment has started the necessary measures with regard to that.

The Minister said this while joining the debate on the financial heads of the Ministries of Environment, Wildlife and Forest Conservation.

The country’s climate change policy was introduced in 2012. The Minister said that these 11-year-old policies will be strongly updated so that they can face the current challenges. He said that a lot of the work to update the policy has been completed, and I will be able to present it to the Parliament at the end of the year.

The Minister also said that a Bill on climate change will be prepared as a legal framework is needed for that policy.

The Minister also mentioned that the Bill is expected to be submitted to the parliament at the beginning of next year. Stronger mandates are needed to deal with current climate change.

The Ministry is working for that. The new climate change policy is expected to be presented before the end of this year.

The Minister also said that environmental conservation and economic development of the country are two essential concepts that conflict with each other.

The Minister pointed out that while many development programmes are being implemented, there are constant conflicts with the environment, but he also said that it is not possible to stop development or not preserve the environment because of that. He said that the conflict between environment and development should be minimized so that sustainable development can be achieved.

Protecting the environment is everyone’s duty and responsibility. There are constant conflicts between development programmes and the environment. Therefore, the economy and the environment should be balanced and reconciled so that they do not collide.

The Minister of Environment pointed out that although greenhouse gas emissions are at a minimum level, Sri Lanka is a country that may be exposed to climate risks. Pointing out that the geo-global position also affects it, the Minister said that the climatic effects can never be ignored. He said that our level of knowledge regarding climate impact is at a minimum level.

He said that only our country is currently working to establish an international university on climate change, and through this, not only the regional countries but also the countries of the whole world will be able to conduct research on climate change.

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Shoe vouchers will be distributed to 740,000 schoolchildren in December – Min Dr. Premajayantha

Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha said in Parliament yesterday (27) that the distribution of shoe vouchers for the schoolchildren will be started on December 4, 2023.

He also mentioned that the distribution of vouchers will be completed on December 27.

The Minister said that vouchers will be distributed to 740,000 children and also stated that the vouchers will be distributed via Provincial Governors, who have already been notified to distribute the vouchers to the selected students in their provinces.

He said this while replying to a question by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Hesha Withanage.

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Human – elephant conflict has aggravated due to lack of proper management – MP Harini Amarasuriya

National People’s Power MP Harini Amarasuriya said in Parliament yesterday (27) that the human – elephant conflict has arisen due to the lack of proper management to preserve the environment.

The MP said this while joining the debate held under the financial heads of the Ministries of Environment, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation.

“Environment and development cannot be discussed separately. About 400 elephants have died in the past due to human activities. Environment cannot be maintained without proper management. Soil erosion is a huge problem in the central hills.” she said.

MP Amarasuriya further said that the Government is discussing about the problems that has no impact on humans. The Government follows a policy of exploitation. Unlimited taxes have been imposed on the people. Environmental problems that have not been experienced for a long time should be solved.

She further added that the Budget 2024 presented by the President is just a collection of beautiful words which haven’t any plan to meet the real needs of the public.

Ishara Mudugamuwa