News
Enforcing Environmental Law: A Timely Partnership between the WNPS and the BASL
In an era where countless environmental offences and crimes are often overlooked or go unpunished, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) has entered an MoU spanning a period of three years with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), a WNPS news release said.
“The partnership’s primary purpose is to ensure greater levels of enforcement of environmental law in Sri Lanka, thereby supporting the conservation of natural resources for the generations to come,” it said.
The release explained that the agreement’s objectives are threefold and comprise joint and collaborative projects between the two parties aimed at 1) increasing awareness and education among lawyers with respect to environmental law in Sri Lanka, 2) increasing the interest in environmental law among lawyers in Sri Lanka and 3) increasing awareness among lawyers to environmental issues prevalent in the country.
Accordingly, the parties have shortlisted several projects to be conducted during the term of the agreement, including the establishment of a contact list of BASL environmental lawyers for WNPS District Representatives to liaise with in order to obtain the necessary legal expertise and guidance to initiate action in their respective areas. The BASL has further pledged to offer support to the WNPS with respect to any litigation on any critical national issues, as and when the need arises.
“Due to a low rate of expertise, knowledge and appreciation on environmental issues, the two parties will conduct an orientation programme with the support of senior environmentalists and resources from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The programme will further be conducted on a district basis under the guidance of the BASL. These activities will further be reinforced by webinars conducted for BASL members on environmental issues, the release said.
“In the wake of numerous violations of the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance reported daily, we believe that this integral partnership between the WNPS and the BASL addresses a pressing need by supporting the enforcement of environmental law in the country, and upholding justice for the voiceless,” stated Isuru Balapatabendi, Secretary, BASL.
A regional training programme titled “Know your environmental rights”, for DWC staff, WNPS
District Representatives, and school environmental organizations will be conducted to disseminate essential knowledge and expertise among those serving on the frontlines of environmental conservation, WNPS said.
“We anticipate that by building knowledge, awareness and interest among key stakeholders, we will be able to safeguard and sustain these essential resources, and protect our nation’s valuable ecosystems in the years to come,” stated Jehan CanagaRetna, President – Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS)
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned below is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The government would not extend the suspension of ‘parate executions’ that was now effective, Deputy Minister of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma told Parliament yesterday.
Suriyapperuma said so in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who asked about the government’s plans regarding a relief package to assist small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) struggling to repay loans.
Pointing out that about 263,000 SMEs had closed down, Premadasa asked what action the government would take to address the grievances of these SMEs.
He said that from 01 Jan., 2019, to 01 Dec., 31, 2023, licensed banks had collected Rs. 113.7 billion through 2,263 parate executions. As of 31 Dec., 2024, Rs. 1,380 billion had been recovered from Stage III defaulters.
The government has introduced loan schemes to assist SMEs impacted by the economic crisis. They included capital loans of up to Rs. 10 million, with a six-month grace period and a three-year repayment term at 8% interest, Suriyapperuma said. Additionally, another loan scheme under the consolidated fund aimed to help SMEs that werecurrently paying their loans. That scheme offered loans of up to Rs. 15 million, which must be repaid over ten years with a one-year grace period and a 7% interest rate. For SMEs that had defaulted on their loans, a loan of up to Rs. 5 million is available at 8% interest, with a six-month grace period and a five-year repayment term, Suriyapperuma said.
By Saman Indrajith
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Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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