(UTV|COLOMBO) – Even though modern day development is shaped by the technical and concrete exposures which leave behind stress, diseases and deaths, a sustainable existence of the environment will be aspired by the entire world, President Maithripala Sirisena stated.
Further, he added that 20 – 25-years ago, many State Leaders, politicians, scholars, and professionals showed no tendency to protect environment. Since, environmental pollution has become a threat to existence of mankind, today there is a vast interest in coping with this major challenge.
Addressing Environmental Pioneer Presidential Medal Awards ceremony held at yesterday (30) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, the President added that responsibility for Environmental Conservation shall not be considered as a minor issue.
This programme is aimed to bring forth environmentally sensitive future base by facilitating environmental centred school education to make the students actively participated in the process.
The President, as the Minister of Environment has always prioritised environmental pioneer programmes in a bid to develop Sri Lanka under the concept ‘Blue Green Era.’ The 25-programme serves the target of making 4 million school students environmental lovers while an environmental pioneer students, who has been awarded the Presidential Medal will receive four marks for extra curriculum activities during the university entrance.
A total of 93 environmental pioneers from 40 schools were handed over Presidential Medals during the Environmental Pioneer Presidential Medal Awards which was organised for the eighth year.
The President pointed out to the Authorities, the need of this programme ensuring the usage of environmental knowledge practically, without just being restricted to books, shall be functioned in every school from this year.
Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Deputy Environment Minister Ajith Mannapperuma, Chairman – Central Environmental Authority (CEA), A. H. M. Muzammil, Director General Hemantha Jayasinghe were present on this occasion.
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