'The environment makes vital contributions to make a disciplined society. But with the development activities taking place around the world and the fast population growth, the environment is threatened, Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

The minister was addressing the 'World Wetland Day - 2012' celebrations held at the Waters Edge Hotel, yesterday which was organized by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) along with the Wildlife Department.

World Wetland Day falls on February 2 and it is celebrated in all over the world under different themes and 'Wetlands and Tourism' is the theme this year.

A large number of wetlands in the world had been destroyed to fulfill human needs and wants. But certain developed countries such as England have not destroyed their natural resources with the development activities. They have taken measures to conduct their development projects while preserving the valuable resources. Sri Lankans should take a leaf from them and pay their attention on preserving environmental resources while developing the country, the minister said.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena addressing the ceremony proposed to Minister Yapa to establish 1,000 Green Laboratories in 1,000 schools which are to be developed as secondary schools. The two ministers distributed certificates and prizes to the students who won the Ritzbury Samaga Thethbim Nena Pena - an all island inter school quiz competition conducted by the CEA in collaboration with Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL). The first place was won by B. Shanika Hemanthi from Gnanaodhaya Maha Vidyalaya, Kalutara South, the second place by Ruwani Hemanthika from Kristhudewa Maha Vidyalaya, Galle and the third place was won by Devinda Prbhashwara from Wimalaratne Maha Vidyalaya, Weeraketiya. Environment Ministry Secretary D. M. U. D. Basnayake, Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry Secretary Udeni Wickremasinghe and CEA Chairman Charitha Herath were also participated. The main sponsor is Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL).

Courtesy: DailyNews

Posted on Friday, February 03, 2012 @ 12:02:46 LKT by SaNDuN

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