Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage has emphasized that no destruction of the forest will be permitted during the development of the Diyagama Sports Complex.
Minister Gamage further stated that development must be carried out while minimizing environmental impact.
He added that steps will be taken to promote the natural forest ecosystem surrounding the sports complex as an “Eco-friendly Tourism” zone.
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports made the remarks after inspecting the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex on Wednesday (07 Jan).
Member of Parliament Aruna Panagoda, members of the Maha Sangha, government officials, and environmental activists accompanied the minister.
Following the inspection tour, extensive discussions were held regarding the development activities to be carried out while preserving the natural forest ecosystem surrounding the sports complex.
During the inspection of the forest interior, the Sports Minister highlighted that unauthorized entry by outsiders has led to illegal waste disposal and activities harmful to the environment, causing damage to the forest.
Accordingly, the minister decided to take immediate steps to install protective fencing along the forest boundaries and implement necessary measures to prevent unauthorized entry and criminal activities.
Furthermore, an agreement was reached to involve the “One Million Volunteers” program, conducted by the National Youth Services Council, to clean and develop this zone in collaboration with environmental activists.
Minister Gamage said that, accordingly, the Ministry of Sports and environmental activists will work together in the future to develop the Diyagama Sports Complex and its surroundings while ensuring its protection for future generations. (Newswire)