President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (22) directed officials to take maximum measures to safeguard Sri Lanka’s rapidly developing Northern and Eastern coastlines, stressing that projects must be implemented in harmony with environmental priorities and the livelihoods of local communities.
He further instructed that the strongest possible legal action be taken against unauthorized coastal constructions, noting that such activities cause significant damage. A steering committee will be appointed to oversee and monitor these efforts.
The President made these remarks during the 2027 Pre‑Budget Discussion of the Ministry of Environment at the Presidential Secretariat, where he reviewed the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 budget and discussed proposals for the upcoming year.
The meeting examined projects carried out under the theme “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life, A Sustainable Biosphere – A Green Life”, which had a total allocation of Rs. 19,719 million.
Institutions reviewed included the Central Environmental Authority, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Department of Coast Conservation, and the Marine Environment Protection Authority.
The President also instructed that an expert committee be appointed to examine measures to prevent coastal erosion along the Oluvil coastline and submit its report promptly.
He paid particular attention to the slow progress of projects aimed at mitigating the human–elephant conflict, warning that delays pose a direct threat to human lives. He emphasized that elephant fences must be located and extended based on the need to protect people rather than simply demarcating wildlife zones.
Highlighting the importance of rural livelihoods, the President directed officials to complete all projects within the stipulated timeframe and fully utilize the budget allocations by carrying out construction and implementation activities before the end of the year.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, including water source conservation, the Clean Coastline Project, the Coastal Recreation Parks Development Project, and accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities at the Sinharaja and Kanneliya forests.
Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi announced that the Ministry is formulating a high‑quality carbon emissions policy expected to create broader investment opportunities.
Secretary K.R. Uduwawala noted that inadequate planning in securing foreign‑funded projects has led to overlapping allocations across ministries, and said a permanent committee will be established to coordinate future projects.
Attention was also drawn to upgrading holiday bungalows managed by the Departments of Wildlife Conservation and Forest Conservation with modern technology to improve public facilities.
The meeting further focused on developing floriculture as an industry and enhancing the National Botanic Gardens to promote biodiversity conservation. (Newswire)