Govt. agencies entrusted with environmental responsibilities to be restructured

Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff stated that the government has resolved to undertake a comprehensive restructuring of the government institutions entrusted with environmental responsibilities.

Mr. Ratnayaka further highlighted that a committee will be established to bolster environmental protection laws and facilitate the restructuring efforts, the President's Media Division (PMD) stated. He also disclosed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe intends to establish a dedicated task force focused on preventing environmental pollution and safeguarding the environment. This task force will be responsible for formulating, implementing and monitoring environmental protection initiatives.

Mr. Ratnayaka made these remarks during his participation in a beach cleaning program held at the Beach Plaza in the Port City on the occasion of the International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICCD) and the commencement of Marine Resources Conservation Week. These events will encompass cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns and seabed cleaning activities at 66 locations, targeting identified beaches and lagoon areas spanning all 14 coastal districts across the island.

The program, initiated by the Marine Environment Protection Authority, commenced at the Beach Plaza in the Port City. Mr. Ratnayaka actively participated in the beach cleaning activities.