The Ministry of Environment has set up a special Ministerial Committee tasked with overseeing Sri Lanka’s national water conservation programs, including the gazetting of vital aquifers and monitoring protective mechanisms for both surface and underground water.
The committee, operating under the supervision of the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, will comprise experts from the Water Resources Board, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), and the Ministry’s Natural Resources Management Division.
Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody stated the need for a robust legal framework and community-led reforestation projects to safeguard identified water systems.
This initiative follows the launch of the “Thirasara Diyawara” National Program on World Water Day, aimed at securing and sustainably managing Sri Lanka’s surface and groundwater resources.
The government is moving to identify and gazette the island’s aquifers, supported by Cabinet approval to completely amend the 62-year-old Water Resources Board Act to modernize the legal foundation for water security.
A preliminary discussion to establish the committee was held today (09) at the Ministry of Environment, chaired by Deputy Minister Jayakody, with participation from Water Resources Board General Manager R.M.B. Somaratne and senior officials of the CEA and the Natural Resources Management Division.
By leveraging community participation, the Ministry plans to officially commence the integrated conservation program in conjunction with the upcoming World Environment Day. (Newswire)