Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has announced plans to take legal action to impose fines of up to 2 crore rupees and jail terms against those who dump hazardous waste to affect the environment.
Meanwhile, she also mentioned that those who destroy protected wetlands will be fined between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore. The Prime Minister disclosed this information while addressing the government’s measures to ensure environmental protection.
Addressing the 36th anniversary of the Jathika Namal Uyana, she emphasized that conservation of natural resources is not only the responsibility of the government but also the duty of the entire society.
She pointed out the need to strengthen laws to protect the country’s natural environment and provide a healthy environment for future generations. She also said that legal measures will be made more stringent to control activities that destroy the environment.
Severe penalties for those who dispose of hazardous waste and destroy wetlands
Improper disposal of hazardous waste into the natural environment can cause harm to soil, water and ecosystems. In particular, when industrial wastes and toxic substances enter water bodies, the people and animals that depend on them can be affected.
In view of this, the Prime Minister has said that steps are being taken to implement laws that can impose a maximum fine of Rs 2 crore and imprisonment against those involved in such activities.
Also, the government has focused on protecting wetlands, one of the country’s most important natural resources. Wetlands play an important role in storing floodwaters, maintaining water balance and serving as habitats for various species.
Encroachment or destruction of such areas may cause long-term environmental impacts. It has been announced that those who destroy protected wetlands will be fined between 10 lakh and 1 crore rupees.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the National Environment Amendment Act has been passed in Parliament after 25 years regarding environmental protection. She said that through this, environmental impact assessments for development projects will be made more stringent.
Early assessment of potential impacts on natural resources is important when development works are carried out. The basic objective of these measures is that environmental protection should go hand in hand with economic development.
Protect nature and education for future generations
The Jathika Namal Uyana is notable for its historical significance, unique biodiversity and tourist attraction. The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to Vanavasi Rahula Thera, who has worked for a long time to protect this area, and those who supported him.
She also said that the people around Jathika Namal Uyana have got the opportunity to get clean drinking water free of charge through a special program to protect ground water.
This makes it clear that environmental protection does not end only with the protection of trees and forests. Protection of drinking water, natural resources and livelihoods of the people are important aspects related to it.
Commenting on education, the Prime Minister said that the real investment of a country does not depend only on buildings and infrastructure, it also depends on the education and personality development of children. She mentioned that one of the objectives of the new education reforms is to create responsible citizens who respect the environment and not just target exam results.
An important consideration in the context of this notification is the extent to which the announced penalties are implemented in practice. While it is necessary to have strict laws to protect the environment, it is equally important to detect violations, conduct proper investigations and take legal action against the culprits.
In general discussions on issues related to environmental pollution and wetland destruction, the need for continuous monitoring and public cooperation with stricter laws is emphasized. However, direct comments from readers were not compiled in this particular news item.
Overall, the government’s announcement to introduce tougher penalties against those who destroy the environment is a major move to protect natural resources. How these declarations are implemented in practice will determine their actual impact.