Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the true investment for the country lies in the education and character development of children, and that the government’s aim is to nurture children of strong character who cherish the environment.
She noted that measures are being taken to introduce laws imposing fines of up to Rs. 20 million and prison sentences on those who destroy nature by releasing hazardous waste into the environment.
The Prime Minister further stated that steps have been taken to impose fines ranging from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 10 million on those who destroy protected wetlands. She highlighted that her government succeeded in passing the National Environmental Amendment Act in Parliament after 25 years, a move that will strengthen the assessment of environmental impacts regarding development projects.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the 36th-anniversary celebrations of the National Namal Uyana. National Namal Uyana is recognized as the site of South Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain range and the largest Na (Ironwood) forest.