President Maithripala Sirisena says there is no change on the policy decision taken by the government on the ban of polythene and plastics.
He said that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) would be responsible for the proper and speedy implementation of said decision.
The President stated this upon speaking at the progress review meeting of the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment at the Ministry’s auditorium yesterday (16).
He stated that the polythene ban would be implemented similar to the way the government performs the ban of asbestos and tobacco.
President’s Media Division reported that he also pointed out the importance of changing the attitudes of the people regarding said decision, for a better future.
During the discussion, attention was paid towards the progress of the programmes implemented by the institutions under the Ministry. The gathering discussed the future plans of these projects, Presidential media sources said. The progress of utilization of the allocated funds had also been evaluated at the meeting.
The President had inquired into the provision of drinking water and water for agriculture during the prevalent dry weather conditions. Attention had also been paid on the issuing of water from the main reservoirs of the island.
The officials had reportedly affirmed that steps were being taken to provide facilities to collect water for agriculture as the water has been issued from Moragahakanda Project.
They had also discussed the program being carried out to solve the drinking water problem in the areas closed to Anuradhapura.
Furthermore, drawing the Uma Oya tunnel as an example, the President emphasized the importance of following proper technical evaluations in building the Moragahakanda – Kaluganga tunnel.
The President had also asked for a report on the unused buildings which belong to the Ministry. Attention had been paid towards the provision of those buildings for other government institutions.
During the discussion, the parties had paid attention towards using sea sand for construction of government buildings to give a good example to the people and compel the public to use sea sand for construction activities.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Minister Anuradha Jayarathne, Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Anura Dissanayake, Director General of Mahaweli Gotabaya Jayaratne and heads of all institutions under the Ministry had participated at this meeting, the President’s Media Division reported.
