The duty and responsibility of all the officers is to implement laws to protect the environment and they should not try to help any person - whatever the position the person holds - to get undue advantages.

President, who is also the Minister of Environment, made these remarks when he addressed the staff at the CEA when he visited the CEA Headquarters at Battaramulla yesterday afternoon (February 19).

He said that all the officers should totally commit themselves to work in accordance with regulations and he was ready to protect such officers who perform their duties efficiently and without fear. He advised the officers to work for the country without giving in to outside pressures.

President Sirisena inspected the progress of the projects undertaken by the CEA and discussed the problems arisen during the implementation stage. He asked the officers to examine the issues and find ways and means of solving such problems.

He instructed the officials to draw attention to the problems such as the spreading of mosquitoes and the need for recycling of garbage as these two are long standing problems affecting the people.

President Sirisena planted a sapling at the CEA premises to mark his visit.