The national ceremony organized in view of World Environment Day was held at the historical Watadageya precincts in Medirigiriya on Friday (05). On arrival to participate in the ceremony, President Maithripala Sirisena participated in religious observance. Thereafter he planting a “Kaluwara” sapling. The Environment Pilot Group of the Medirigiriya National School rendered the Environment Song.

The launch of the countrywide programme of recycling discarded mobile phones took place under the auspices of the President. The handing over of cash cheques needed for the reconstruction of the Meegollewa tank also took place on the occasion.

The launch of more programmes was also held under the patronage of the President. Further addressing the function, President Maithripala Sirisena mentioned that the environment is not an obstacle for development. But certain politicos do not take into consideration environment reports mainly to meet their political aspirations.

The President said that as a result the country has to bear the repercussions of such incidents.

The President declared that during his term of office he will not permit any politician, a businessman or a racketeer to devastate the forest or the environment. He said he had no personal links with any of them. He did not meter whether they were from the SLFP of the UNP. He could not permit the serious devastation of the entironment.

He said he would further strengthen laws with respect to environmental conservation. The President emphasized that as a Government they would hand in stern punishment to those who are engaged in the destruction of the forest or the environment.

Many people’s representatives including State Minister for Environment Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Deputy Minister Chandrasiri Suriyarachchi and North Central Chief Minister Peshala Jayaratne were among those present on the occasion.