Charge of the Lion Brigade

Distinguished guests, Ladies & Gentlemen, Friends and Colleagues,

It is indeed an honour to me to be among this august audience for the launching of the book authored by me titled “Charge of the Lion Brigade” – the epic victory over LTTE by Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

At the outset let me thank our president His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Defence Minister cum chief of the armed forces, Secretary Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, ex chief of Defence Vice Marshal Donald Perera, ex Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka, ex Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Airforce Commander Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunatilaka, Civil Defence Director Sarath Weerasekara, Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickramaratna, Commander of various divisions and valiant soldiers for the courage’s triumph over the world most ruthless terrorists mafia the LTTE. Dear members of the armed forces, with much gratitude let me repeat that if not for your leadership, courage, strategies and the dedication we would not have been able to uproot the LTTE. We are free today due to your sacrifices. Thank you very much.

On 23rd September this year when I visited the office of the United Nations Secretary General to handover a copy of our new sustainable development plan – Green Lanka – I was received by it’s under Secretary General No.2 in New York, Mr. Shurkan – head of sustainable development and economic affairs division. Having welcomed me his opening remarks were “Sri Lanka was the only country which fought global terrorism successfully after the super powers declared war on terror after 9-11-2001”. I was so proud to hear his words of appreciation after our victory although, some of the UN officials and some powerful countries are now trying to undermine it, on human rights allegations. But true friends of Sri Lanka, specially those who belong to new emerging Asian hemisphere from Iran to Japan, have truly appreciated what our brave soldiers have achieved.

Then he told me that he had once served as the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka from 1976 to 1980. It was the period when our state run economy was being transformed to free liberal economy. China under Den Sheo Feng was willing to follow the same path but patiently and intelligently. Then there was a plan called Grater Colombo Plan initiated by late Mr. Feliex Dias Bandaranayaka. Mr. Lalith Ethulathmudali, Mr. Ronnie De Mel, and of course Mr. Upali Wijewardana they pioneered this ambitious plan to convert Colombo and suburbs into a Singapore. As requested by the Chinese president who wanted to study the plan Mr. Sha Shurkan had sent a copy of it to his president. After having had a few consultations with Mr. Upali Wijewardana and others the Chinese Ambassador had prepared a report and gone to China to present it to relevant authorities. Having thoroughly studied it they had prepared their own plan. As a result emulating the Greater Colombo plan, the Shanghai Plan was introduced. I was some what curious at what Sha Shurkan had to tell me. Now Shanghai is the worlds most prosperous global capital. New York is far behind it. What happened to Colombo? What were the reason for it? Why were our prepared plans were not implemented? Was it because of Velupille Prabhakaran? If it was the cause now that snag or barrier is removed. No one in this world can stop the proud leap forward of our nation now. Let us start it right now.

Naturally I write, I talk and I do what I think. So I wrote this booklet. My sole aim was to show the world that our soldiers had revisited our heroic past, and they can now be compared to King Dutugemunu and King Wijayabahu who defeated Chola Emperors more than a thousand years ago. After Raja Raja and Rajendra, Tamil separatism took more than a thousand years to revive their claim to a separate state. First it was Perrier of the Tamil Nadu who initiated Dravida Kasagam Movement and its military wing. Sardar Patel of India ruthlessly crushed that military outfit. Jawahalla Neru used constitutional measures to suppress the DMK movement. Then they turned to Sri Lanka. Step by step, wave by wave, Velupille Prabhakaran had being striding the victory march of the Tamil Eelam. We saw our Sinhala brothers were being chased away from the North. According to the statistics 21,000 Sinhalese were living there in Jaffna district along in 1981. Not a single Sinhalese was spared. Sinhalese were ethnically cleansed. Over 150,000 Sinhalese were chased away to clear in North & East, so-called Tamil Homeland. During the past 25 years they have being living as displaced persons. Suresh Premachandran and Sampanthan who are living in Colombo among Sinhalese now are talking about Sinhalization. The chased out Sinhalese do have an inherent right to resettle in their homeland in the North. Velupille Prabhakaran chased away Muslims from North in 1991. During the past 18 years they have being living in Kalpitiya. They too have an inherent right resettle in their homeland in the North. All the Tamils who were uprooted from their villages by the LTTE too should have inherent right to resettle. And this government is now facilitating this huge rehabilitation task.

Tamil racists should know after Vijayabahu’s victory over Tamil racism they need another thousand years to regroup. They now need another two thousand years or more to regroup for their Eelam dream. Our brave soldiers totally annihilated them. Not a single terrorist leader was spared. It was a complete resounding victory. Thanks again and again to our brave soldiers.

I wrote this booklet because I wanted to show the world that achievement of our soldiers is world class. If we had revisited world military history from Alexander, Gangis Khan, Altila the Hun, Napoleon to Vo Nguyen Giap of Vietnam War, we would be able to see the many parallels in strategy, tactics, dedication and sacrifices of our military leaders and soldiers to these great military tacticians and heros. Napoleon used unconventional strategies and tactics against Austrians – Russian – Italian Armies and Won. Karl Von Klautzwitz stipulated Napoleonic modern war theories, strategies and the German army extensively used this theory in world War 1 and War 2. Now the world military researchers should learn, analyze and theorize our victory because not after 9/11, for the whole post world war period no nation was able to annihilate a powerful terrorist group like the LTTE without the support of the super powers. So how we prepared our grand politico military strategy, how we managed our foreign relations or external factors, how our nation whole heartedly contributed to this effort, how the external and internal conspirators’ were thwarted, how we continuously supplied men and material while maintaining our economic stability should be learned analyzed and theorized and compared with other great military victories.

In the aftermath of the Kilinochchi debacle (1998) we formulated 3 year visionary action plan to eradicate terrorism and handed over it to the then political and military heads. They ignored it and went through the disastrous “Sudunelum Path” our forces were entrap and killed as a result. Then we took to streets but the vicious cycle was revolving which we could not stop. But our dream to liberate the country from the clutches of the Neo Nazi Tamil Terrorist would still be there and we were dreaming. When we were drafting the 2005 presidential manifesto Mahinda Chinthanaya, we knew that we could not spell our dreams totally. But as the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stated “the fundamental platform I would base my initiative would be an undivided country. A national consensus and honourable peace”, and further he stated our agenda shall include renouncing separatism, demilitarization, and enter into the democratic process. There we know that Demilitarization, Democratization, and Development, 3-D phenomenon would be our grand politico military strategy.

Now we are a proud nation. After Parakramabahu the VI, who defeated Jaffna Chakrawarthi sending Prince Sapumal in 1450, after 560 years every inch of this country is now belongs to our nation. Our children can go alone all over the country with their heads hold high. Ten years ago before we had a dream. It is dream deep rooted in all Sri Lankans. Now this dream has come true. Finally we are free.

Thank you.

The Climate Summit was convened by the UN Secretary General, BAN Ki-moon during the 64th Session of the United Nation General Assembly, to mobilize the highest political will and vision needed to reach an ambitious agreed outcome based on science, at the UN climate talks scheduled in December 2009, where the world’s governments will meet in Copenhagen anticipating a fair, effective and comprehensive global climate deal which is an unequivocal requirement to stop climate change from slipping out of control. “Success in Copenhagen can jumpstart a fundamental transformation of the global economy, strengthening, climate-resilient development and most urgently, assisting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable to adapt to the inevitable impacts of Climate Change” says  Ban Ki-moon. However at present, political and economic issues hinder talks to stop warming.

During the summit, the Japanese new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama vowed to cut his nation’s green house gas emissions 25% by 2020 as against the promise of his predecessor to cut emission only by 12%. The European Union suggested a 30% cut. China promised new action on climate change to cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with economic growth and committed to reforestations which would create Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sinks, reducing energy intensity and discharge of major pollutants, increasing forest coverage and share of renewable energy. Maldives being a small island urged industrialized countries to maintain the temperature from rising 1.5o Celsius as against 2o Celsius.  

USA committed to make its largest ever investment in renewable energy aiming at doubling the general capacity in three years and improve energy efficiency throughout the country. However, USA did not announce specific figures to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

While industrialized countries offering their emission cuts, they urged developing countries and countries in transition economies too to act on climate change mitigation measures.

The Prime Minister Hon. Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, The Environment & Natural Resources Minister Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka and Dr. Palitha Kohona, the Permanent Representative to United Nation, New York attend the Summit. Environment Minister attended a round table discussion with fellow Heads of States and Governments which has been organized to provide a forum to strengthen cooperation between and among developed and developing countries and provide a political impetus for a successful deal in Copenhagen.

During the session, Hon. Minister of Environment had bilateral meetings with his counterparts in Japan, Norway, South Africa, Grenada, Egypt, The Philippines and China and discussed the Sri Lankan position on climate change issues to secure a common position in upcoming negotiations. He also met the Prime Minister of Sweden and discussed the issues related to climate change.

The Environment Minister has been able to secure bilateral cooperation with the Minister of the Environment of Japan for the implementation of the newly developed ‘Haritha Lanka’ Programmme which is implemented under the direction of H.E. the President, to integrate green concepts and practices in the economic and social development of the country. South Africa Environment Minister also has solicited bilateral cooperation to exchange information, technology, knowledge and experiences in environmental management. Hon. Haakon Arald Gulbrantsen, the State Secretary of International Development of Norway has agreed to provide assistance in implementation of the Haritha Lanka Programme including climate change sector.

Hon. Minister also had bilateral discussions with Papua New Guinea, the Chairman of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations. Sri Lanka would join the Coalition to protect and create a voice against deforestation and conserve forests taking in to account of services that forests provide.

The bilateral meeting with Grenada has made it possible for Sri Lanka to secure observer status of the Alliance of Small Island Status (AOSIS) which has been considered as the most vulnerable group for climate change and hence qualified for financial and technical assistance on priority basis. The Prime Minister and the Environment Minister met the Prime Minister of Grenada and had bilateral discussions on securing membership of AOSIS.

It has been estimated that the climate change summit would generate the equivalent of 461 tons of carbon dioxide, with air travel of the delegates being the single largest component. Since the goal of the Climate Change Summit was to reduce the global emissions of green house gases the UN set an example by offsetting its Carbon Emissions produced by the delegates attended the meeting, by directing money to a power project in rural Andhra Pradesh, India, through which agricultural leftovers like rice husks and sunflower stalks are turned into electricity for the local grid.

Similarly, the new initiative taken by the government of Sri Lanka through the Haritha Lanka Programme was considered by Mr. Sha Zukang, the Under Secretary General of the Department of Economic of Social Affairs (DESA) as a commendable initiative in transforming the Sri Lanka’s economy to a green economy.

The speech of Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources at the Book Launch on “Judges & Environmental Law”: A Handbook for the Sri Lankan Judiciary

Hon. Asoka de Silva, Chief Justice
Hon. Justice Nissanka Udalagama, Director, Sri Lanka Judges Institute,
Mr. Bakary Kante, Director, Division of Environmental Law and Conventions, UNEP,Justice Weeramanthri
Mrs. Sharmini Ratwatte, Chairperson, Environmental Foundation Limited, Distinguished representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is indeed with great pleasure that I am addressing this august audience in the event of launching the Book titled “Judges & Environmental Law”: A Handbook for the Sri Lankan Judiciary.
I think it is also important to note that UNEP initiated the publication of a series of summaries of judicial decisions on environmental cases based on the recommendation of the chief justices and senior judges who participated in the South Asian Judicial Symposium on “Sustainable Development and Rule of Law” held in Sri Lanka in July 1997. These decisions are a potent reminder of the desire of judges for recognizing environmental concerns and integrating well established environmental concepts in their judgments for the continued well being of human society and the protection of nature which sustains life in all its forms.  
In theory, legislative power lies with the parliament while courts and judges apply the laws enacted by the legislative body. We all have a duty to do whatever we can to restore respect for the rule of law, which is the foundation for a fair and sustainable society. We must build upon this respect by ensuring that the law recognizes and draws on our deepest values and principles for the wellbeing of the present and future generations based upon the principles of human rights. If pure economic development considerations trespass the territory of human rights, then the judiciary should interpret it appropriately for the wellbeing of the society at large and maintain the social stability. The principle, in essence, is the reality that exists, and the law, as well as the judgments based on the law, has to recognize that reality.
Ladies and gentleman, If we look at the history of humankind, we could recognize at least three types of development paradigms;

(As far as the global environment is concerned, all the abiotic resources – land, minerals, fuels, water and atmospheric gasses are limited in nature, and excessive use of these resources causes scarcity. In addition, pollution of waterways, erosion of the soil, and pollution of atmosphere further restrict the used of these resources, Hence scarcity of resources coupled with pollution causes serious environmental degradation. If we are to avoid an environmental disaster and at the same time continue business as usual we will need another few planets to sustain the present development model. There is no space for us to change the region or the territory as our ancestors practiced when there is a calamity, )

In this new arena we need to change he word order which says think globally act locally to think locally act globally.  
Today, with the whole world turning into a single entity, we are forced to extend our consideration of equity in the use of environmental resources and related laws beyond national boundaries. The beginnings of recognizing environmental concerns in national and international legal systems were seen only in the 4th quarter of the 20th century. There are instances where judicial decisions have been made based on the principles of sustainable development, polluter pays principle, and human rights nationally. Provisions of constitutions too have been used on various occasions by the judges duly recognizing the need for environmental conservation and intra- and inter-generational equity.

The challenges that we are facing today are daunting. On the one hand, nearly two billion people on this planet are living in acute poverty and under malnutrition, while on the other, millions over-consume. What is more, globalization and trade regimes encourage millions more to join in the unsustainable production and consumption patterns. The wasteful use of resources puts global, regional and local ecosystems under severe stress through resource depletion and sink limitations. The well-being, and indeed the very survival, of the human race depends heavily on the ability of the international community to address this situation.
The advise given by Mahinda Thero, son of the Emperor Asoka of India, to king Devanam Piyathissa emphasized the basic rule of law that is valid today, more than ever before, that we are only temporary trustees and not the owners of the natural resources of planet earth. This should serve as a guiding principle in development activities within nations and between nations.  This is a rule that will remain valid for all time. 
It is in this context that we need radical changes in our present governance structure, especially in the judiciary system, to ensure justice to the powerless and to create a healthy and peaceful environment for all living beings on planet earth, eradicating the principle of “survival of the fittest” to secure sustainable development for all.

It is necessary to move forward by building on the existing and emerging human right principles such as; Right to life, Right to food, Right to adequate housing, Right to clean water, Right to health that covers a wide range of community groups including children and women. Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights (ICCPR), adopted in 1996 states that “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by Law” Article 6 of the Convention on the rights of the child (CRC) adopted in 1989 states that ‘States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life…”
By this way we can move away from the 3rd development paradigm and move into the 4th paradigm, the new development paradigm that I referred earlier. This 4th Paradigm should seriously recognize the link between the environmental degradation and internationally – guaranteed human rights including the right to life as a leading strategy for sustainable development. The present rate of degradation of the quality of ecosystems and the high risks to the very the existence of human beings calls for more concerted efforts in the international and local judiciary systems to curb gross over-consumption by a small fraction of the human population while relegating the rest of humanity to a state of malnutrition and underdevelopment within the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.
To realize this vision, the discussions on environmental justice and human rights should be based on the following three principles;

These aspects were in fact surfaced in the Commonwealth Climate Change negotiations on human rights.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Collaborative efforts of the Environmental Foundation Limited, the Sri Lanka Judge’s Institute and the UNEP, to enhance the understanding of judges and seek their cooperation in the enforcement of environmental legislation is a timely effort in this context and I congratulate all of you in this endeavour.
Thank you.

Bi-lateral discussion between the Prime Minister of Nepal and the Environment Minister of Sri Lanka

A bi-lateral discussion was held between Hon. Madav Kumar, the Prime Minister of Nepal and Hon. Patali Champika Ranawake, the Environment Minister, at the Prime Minister’s Office on 1st September, during a Regional Climate Change Conference held from 31 of August to 1st of September in Katmandu. The theme was ‘A vision for Addressing Climate Change Risks and Vulnerabilities in the Himalayas – From Katmandu to Copenhagen’. H.E.Thosapala Hewage, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Nepal and the Advisor to the Prime Minister of Nepal joined the discussion.

Expressing his ideas at the discussion, the Prime Minister of Nepal stated that serious negative impacts have been occurred on the Nepalese nation due to global warming and melting of the glaciers of the Himalayas which has already been started. There is a problem of the glacier lake outburst due to melting of these glaciers that has been in existence over millions of years.

There is also another threat of serious floods arising due to overflowing of the mighty rivers of Indu, Ganga, Sianyan, Muntushun and Brahmaputra etc., which originate from Himalayas.

Scientists have warned that there is a high risk of transforming the Katmandu city which has the highest population density, in to a glacier lake as the city has been located in a plateau valley surrounded by a ring of mountains.

South Asian Himalayas are the source of the mighty rivers of the region that supply the world’s most populated flood plains. The Nepal Prime minister stated that the civilization of Nepal which existed over ten thousand years will be sweepedout due to drying up of all the rivers once the glaciers, the main source of rivers in the country are melted.

Hon. Patali Champika Ranawake expressing his views on this issue stated that Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystem will also be affected due to sea level rise around its coastal zone due to melting of Himalaya. Therefore the problem related to Himalaya is a regional phenomenon.

Hon. Patali Champika Ranawake further explained that Sri Lanka is approaching to a new era after defeating terrorism that lasted over 30 years in the country. The steps taken by the Sri Lankan government under the direction of H.E. the President to speed up the process of sustainable development of the country was also explained by the Minister.
 
A 10 year programme titled ‘Haritha Lanka’ has been planned spanning from 2010-2020 to secure sustainable development in the country without depending on an oil based economy.

Hon. Minister conveyed warm wishes of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka to the Nepalian Prime Minister and extended an invitation to the Prime Minister on behalf of the President to visit Sri Lanka. 

Hon. Minister had bi-lateral discussions with the Nepalian Environment Minister, Hon. Ganesh Sharma and the Secretary of the Ministry.

     An awareness programme was conducted by the wild life trust for public officers, sponsored by the Geographical Survey and Mines Bureau, on the 07th  August 2009, presided by Hon.Patalee Champika Ranawake, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources on the subject of Environmental Protection and Environmental laws.

     This programme is scheduled to be implemented in 13 provincial secretariats in the Colombo District , and an island wide plan has been prepared to conduct similar programmes in other provinces as well.

      Addressing the meeting, the Hon. minister explained how the waste water have drained into areas over 3 miles away from the Waste Dumps in Nawinna and Raththanapitiya and that more than 4 million Cellular Phone Batteries dumped into waste dumps, and the importation of 72 million CD/VCD tapes into the country which have adverse effect on environment.     

Speech of Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources at the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change South Asia Sub Regional Meeting, 27/28 July 2009, Colombo

Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources,
Distinguished Delegates from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, 
Mr. G.B. Samarasinghe, Director, Meteorology Department, the Focal point of the Scientific panel,
Ms. Perlyn M. Pulhin, Programme Officer for Communications & Development, from APN Secretariat,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a great pleasure to be associated with you at this first meeting of the South Asia Sub Regional Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change.  We have a challenge before us during these two days. We have to provide right directions and guide the future programs to suit the local conditions as this is the first meeting for our sub region.  
In the global context, our generation is living in an era where deteriorating environmental trends have far-reaching economic, social and health implications. A global change by making a paradigm shift away from the present unsustainable production and consumption practices is the only way forward to ensure the continued existence not only of humankind but also of the other living beings of the planet earth.

The Asia and the Pacific Region is of special importance in understanding the nature and dimensions of global environmental problems. This Region has a population of nearly 3 billion – nearly half of the World’s total human population. Its economic growth rate is the highest of any region in the world. At the same time it should be noted that 14 countries in the region are under the category of least developed, including Nepal and Bangladesh.
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is necessary to move forward by first looking back in order to understand the complex nature of the global, regional and local environmental problems we are faced with and their impacts on human health and ecosystems. By doing so we get an idea of the nature and magnitude of the environmental changes brought about by manmade activities. As we all are aware, over the last century, human activities have contributed on a massive scale to global environmental change. Therefore conducting research activities on long-term global changes in climate, ocean and terrestrial systems and on related physical, chemical, biological and socio-economic processes is of vital importance.

In this context, the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), as an inter-governmental network, has the potential for promoting research that would lead to the strengthening of links between science and policy making in the Asia-Pacific Region. In the context of the Asia and the Pacific Region in particular, focusing on securing the stability of ecological systems while promoting socio-economic development is a special need.

In this context it is essential to ensure that APN would focus research activities aiming at promoting the establishment of a new global environmental governance system based on the polluter pays principle in order to achieve the expected outcome of the desired global change.  This should be the kind of global change that all of us focus on.

Humanity is overstepping the limits of sustainability and overuses the ecological resources to meet the unlimited needs of the small portion of the population in the world. Developed countries energy consumption patterns are running up vast ecological debt that will be inherited by developing countries and by future generations. According to the IPCC scenarios 21st century carbon budget is estimated as 1456 Gt. If developed countries continue this current emission trajectory the carbon budget for the 21st century will expire in the 2030s which drastically enhanced the effects of global warming.

It has to be noted that proposed emission cut include in Kyoto Protocol is not enough to save humanity in future. There should be objective criteria to save our planet. According to IPCC’s Carbon Budget, the environmental permissible carbon space per person for 2009 is 2170 kg. In Sri Lanka each person emits 660 kg annually. In some developed countries per capita carbon emission is more than ten times the permissible level. The world average per capita carbon emission is 4700 kg, which is twice the permissible level. That means low emitting countries like us could not emit more because our space has already been exploited by developed or global polluting countries without our consent. And more importantly they have exploited future generations’ carbon space as well.

Considering the common carbon space which belongs to present and future generations Sri Lanka proposes three amendments to the Kyoto Protocol.

Research activities for the global change have to be focused on these global realities linking ecosystem degradation with the diversified socio economic activists and provide directions to the global community to make concerted efforts and take timely action to follow a new form of development which preserve the dynamic equilibrium of the planet earth, while preserving the right of all living beings to equally share the resources of the planet earth maintaining its carrying capacity. 

I hope this message would go out from this sub regional gathering, transforming present global realities through research to a sustainable future for all of us and for generations to come. Timely attention and collaboration at global and regional level is essential to achieve the expected results to ensure long term sustainability of our common future. 
I wish this regional meeting a success.

I also wish you a pleasant and enjoyable stay here and hope that you will get an opportunity to see some of the places on interest and beauty in our country during your stay here.

Thank you.

National Council for Sustainable Development and Haritha Lanka Programme

Background

It is widely accepted that Environment friendly development ensures the long term sustainablility of any economic activity. Therefore, ensuring environmental sustainability of all development programs is of paramount importance to achieve sustainable development target of a country. However, the present energy crisis due to escalating fuel prices coupled with climate change challenges are becoming major external factors which jeoparadizes the sustainable developmental spheres.

This has been basically resulted for numerous crises creates economical, social and environmental based global multiple crises such as financial crisis, fuel crisis, fuel crisis, food crisis and water crisis, However, these crises are not affecting to all countries in same manner and it could be tolerable only in a short term dimension of real economic capacity, foreign savings and remittances, masterpiece and utilization of natural resources and ecosystems of a country. Anyway, as a result of globalization any country can’t escape the influence of global crises unless the proper and efficient suitable strategies have been identified and adopted. As these multiple global crises impact in the different scales to different economies, each and every country has to be strengthened their domestic economies to meet the basic national requirements. Thus, especially, Sri lanka as an agricultural economy based country, it has to be given the priority and special attention on food security, energy security, healthcare of nation and conservation of natural resources and ecosystem of the country. It is the right of present generation today to build up a a strong domestic economy to ensure the social, economical and environmental sustainability for future generations.

            In view of the worsening energy crisis and the climate change related issues, several line Ministries have already undertaken various sector based eco friendly initiatives amide at mitigating and adapting to serious impacts of these challenges.

Achieving sustainable development goals while addressing climate change impacts requires a cohesive national approach to facilitate development planning decision making through a holistic approach in which all three pillars of sustainable development are considered together. In view of its strategic nature, such a national approach requires the leadership and the guidance at the highest political level institutional mechanism has been established for developing a set of sustainable development strategies, implementation and monitoring of the sustainable development programmes. The approval of the cabinet of Ministers obtained on 23.07.2008 to establish the National council for sustainable development ( NCSD) through leadership of the H.E. the president.

The stricture, objective and the role of the NCSD are as mentioned below,

Chairman        :           H.E. the President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Members        :           22Hon. Ministers (Annex 1)
Convener        :           Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
Progress Reviewer    :           Ministry of Plan Implementation
Objective        :           Provide leadership and guidance for the sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

A meeting was conducted on 16. 01.2008. at the Presidential Secretariat on the invitation of Hon. Basil Rajapaksha, Senior Advisor to the president for implementing a decision of the above mentioned Cabinet Memorandum with the participation of Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Lalith Weerathunge, Secretary to the President and Secretaries of the relevant ministries. At this meeting , it was decided to develop an Action Plan including  short term , medium term., long term targets spanning the period 2009.-2016 and performance indicators through extensive deliberation of the relevant ministries.

In order to ensure environmental sustainability of development programs, activities of relevant Ministries have to be re- oriented with major emphasis on addressing energy and climate change issues and other environmental aspects with inbuilt long term environmental performance indicators. Consolidation of these activities should form the basis for a national program having long term environmental performance indicators. Thus , this program is proposed to be named “ Haritah Lanka “ programme.

The ten broad missions/thrust areas covered by the programme are:

List of Hon. Ministers:

Waste Management Project at Siddhartha Maha Vidyalaya , Udahamulla.

A Waste Management Project was started by Hon. Patalee Champika Ranawake, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources , at the school on 21st July 2009, which is a project coming under the Plastic Waste Management Project of the Central Environment Authority.  

Management Project for redundant Mobile Telephones and spare parts.

The singing of agreement of the management project of redundant mobile telephones and spare parts jointly managed by the Central Environment Authority and Dialog GSM took place at Priyankara Hotel, Thissamaharamaya on 19th July 2009.

Inauguration of the project by Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka , Minister of Environment and Natural Resources and Singining of agreement between the parties concerned.

Opening of the new building at the entrance to Lunugamvehera National Park.

The new building constructed at the entrance to Lunugamvehera National Park was ceremonially opened by Hon. Chamal Rajapakse, minister of Irrigation , water management , Ports and civil Aviation on the 18th July, 2009.

The Picture shows the Hon. Minister purchasing the first permit to enter the National park after opening the building.

Lunugamvehera National Park

The occation of the ceremonial opening of the newly constructed two storied circuit Bangalow building by Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka at the Lunugamvehera National Park on 18th July 2009.

Laying of Foundation to the new building to be Constructed for the Information centre at the Yala National Park

A Foundation stone for the new building at the Yala National Park for the Information centre was laid by Mr. and Mrs. Samarasinghe  in memory of their late Son Dr. Ravi Samarasinghe held on 19th July 2009, which was attended by Hon. Patalie Champika Ranawaka as Chief guest .

Awarding Scholarship for Viru Daru Athwala Programme

France Sri Lankan Education cultural & membership association was organized Viru daru athwala scholarship programme for the students of the death & disable Sri Lankan soldiers dated on 16th July 2009 at the  conference hall in buddhist association.Chief guest was Hon. Patali Champika Ranaweka,Minister of Environment & Natural Resources.

Environment awareness Programme

Workshop on SWITCH Asia

Workshop on SWITCH Asia was held on 14th July 2009 at the Taj Samudra hotel in Colombo for the small and medium stake holders of the foods and beverages Industries. Chief guest was Hon. Patali Champika Ranaweka,Minister of Environment & Natural Resources addressing the audience.

The Eight National Environment Brigadiers Camp

The Eight National Environment Brigadiers camp was holdings dated on 04th july to 05th July 2009 at the Pasdunrata Educational Training College. Hon. Patali Champika Ranawake, Minister of Environment & Natural Resources was participating in this inaugration session and awarding the Suwarna Varna medal for winners of the Environment brigadiers.

1. HARITHA ARUNA
2. TOWARDS A GREEN ERA

• Minister of Environment and Natural Resources - Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka
• Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources - Mr. M.A.R.D Jayathilake
• Regional Directer of United Nations Environmental Program - Dr. Yung Woo park
• Environmental affairs officer of United Nations Environmental Program -Dr. Subgrato Singha

• Hon.Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka
• Secretaries to the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources Mr. M.A.R.D. Jayathilake
• Secretaries to the Ministries of Urban Development & Sacred Area Development Dr. P. Ramanujan
• Deputy Governor of Central Bank Mr. Uthum Herath
• Director Environmental Studies - University of Peradeniya Prof. Shantha Hennayake