President directs officials to present a work plan to minimize polythene & plastics use

President Maithripala Sirisena instructed relevant officials to present a work plan including proposals to minimize the use of polythene and plastics, President Media Unit said. He also advised them to present recommendations on low-cost alternatives for asbestos. The President gave these instructions at a discussion on the progress of the programs carried out under the Ministry of Mahaweili Development and Environment, held yesterday at the Ministry of Environment. He directed the officials to take speedy actions to provide drinking water to the victimized people in the areas where the water sources have been dried out due to Uma Oya project. The five-year plan prepared by the Ministry of Environment on environmental conservation and three-year plan for solid waste management were presented to the President at this occasion. Attention was also paid on the programs being organized to mark International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in September and National Tree planting Day in October. The Ministry officials including the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry and project directors also participated in this discussion