Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has presented several key proposals in Parliament aimed at advancing the environmental and wildlife sectors.
He made the proposals during the budget committee stage debate on the environment sector and related topics.
Conducting a National Environmental System Assessment
The Opposition Leader emphasized the need for a national environmental system assessment to raise public awareness about the value of biodiversity within the country’s ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of understanding the services ecosystems provide and their role in sustaining human existence. He noted that while short-term solutions are often proposed for environmental issues, conservation targets must be established based on Sri Lanka’s geographical location. He also reaffirmed that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) are green political parties committed to environmental conservation.
Reference to the Environmental Planning Charter
Describing Sri Lanka as a nation that must implement sustainable development within a naturally rich ecosystem, Premadasa tabled the environmental plan and charter he had introduced during the 2019 presidential election. This charter includes details of three major national projects focused on the conservation of elephants, tigers, and whales.
Need for a National Land Development and Physical Plan
Premadasa stressed the importance of a national land development plan and a national physical plan to strengthen environmental protection. He called for broad consensus on this matter and highlighted the necessity of appreciating biodiversity resources for conservation. He also urged action on issues such as environmental pollution, plastic waste reduction, soil erosion prevention, and unauthorized deforestation.
Emphasizing Sustainable and Community-Centered Conservation
Premadasa underscored that as Sri Lanka moves toward a circular economy, sustainable development and conservation must be prioritized. He stated that community-centered conservation is essential for the success of wildlife conservation efforts. He pointed out that while Sri Lanka has committed to multiple environmental charters over the years, the country has yet to achieve many of its conservation targets.
Developing Eco-Tourism
Premadasa proposed eco-tourism as a means of generating foreign exchange. He referenced India’s 1971-72 tiger conservation program under Indira Gandhi, which led to a thriving tiger-focused tourism industry and a revival of the tiger population. He suggested that Sri Lanka should similarly develop green tourism initiatives centered on elephants, tigers, dolphins, and whales.
Providing Sustainable Solutions to the Human-Elephant Conflict
Addressing the human-elephant conflict, Premadasa acknowledged that past solutions have been ineffective. He pointed out that while successful technological methods exist worldwide to mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife, Sri Lanka has struggled to implement a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy. He attributed this failure to the lack of a clear long-term plan, inadequate human and physical resources, and frequent policy changes between governments and ministers.
Prioritizing Animal Welfare
Premadasa emphasized the importance of animal welfare, calling for a humanitarian approach to conservation efforts. He proposed establishing an International University for Environmental Studies to leverage global green trends and position Sri Lanka as a leader in environment-centered research. He further suggested transforming Sri Lanka into a global research hub for national parks and wildlife conservation.
Developing Physical and Human Resources in the Wildlife Sector
Premadasa called for the permanent employment of experienced wildlife officers who currently work as volunteers on minimal salaries. He also advocated for the regularization of thousands of employees in the multi-functional department who receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 22,500. Additionally, he stressed the need for an accurate wildlife census and criticized any attempts to undermine its significance.
Through these proposals, Premadasa underscored the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term policies to protect Sri Lanka’s environment and wildlife, ensuring sustainable conservation and economic benefits through eco-tourism and biodiversity preservation. (Newswire)