Cardinal sounds govt. about large scale deforestation

His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has stated that if ecosystems are protected, the country’s water resources will become a major source of income in the future. The Cardinal said at a meeting with the Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who paid a courtesy call at his official residence on Tuesday (22).

The Cardinal said: “Deforestation is rampant, and the government must stop it as a national priority. Laws should be enacted to punish those who destroy forests. There will be water shortages in the world in time to come and our water resources will be in high demand.”

Minister Gunawardena said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s policy statement was clear on the government’s intention to save forests and increase the country’s forest cover. Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena was also present on the occasion.