Deforestation has spiked over the past few years – Minister Mahinda Amarawera

By Ifham Nizam

More than 300 people who violated environmental laws have been prosecuted within the first quarter of this year, Environment Minister Mahinda Amarawera said.

Amaraweera said last year (2020), 190 cases of deforestation were reported and legal action filed against those involved.

“Over the past few years, the graph of deforestation in our country has been steadily rising. But, I can say with responsibility that after 2022, the curve of environmental damage will be reversed,” he stressed.

He assured that all possible measures have been taken against those who cause damage to the environment.

“Sometimes, I face many problems. But I have the strength to face them. Environmental damage will not be allowed to happen after 2022, he said.

The Minister also took part at the launch of the Ministry of Environment publication on the National Policy on Traditional Knowledge and Practices Related to Biodiversity.

The policy was formulated by the Biodiversity Secretariat of the Ministry of Environment and handed over to the Minister by the Director of the Secretariat, Mrs. Padma Abeykoon.

Amaraweera said the traditional knowledge and know-how Sri Lankans have depended on over the past 2,500 years still hold and are very much in use. However, today there are many who don’t want to follow this traditional knowledge.

“Our younger generation in particular is of the view that traditional knowledge is unscientific. But, I think there are times when our traditional knowledge and wisdom are far ahead of modern science and new technology,” he added.

He thanked Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Environment Ministry and Dr. Padma Abeykoon, Director, on their efforts to publish traditional knowledge related to biodiversity.