News
Probe ordered into Agriculture Minister’s allegation Rs. 300 mn demanded from foreign investor for EIA on dairy farm
By Ifham Nizam
An investigation would be carried out into the allegation that Rs. 300 million was asked for to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA) for a dairy farm, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday.
Minister Amaraweera said so in response to Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s recent allegation that the Ministry of Environment had asked for as much as Rs. 300 million from a foreign investor to to an EIA on a dairy farm to be set up.
The Environment Ministry never issued environmental assessment reports, and there were 63 private institutions registered with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) for issuing EIA Reports, Minister Amaraweera said.
Those activities were carried out by university intellectuals, Amaraweera added.
“I inquired about the statement made by Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. That is completely false statement. Neither the Ministry of Environment nor the Central Environmental Authority can make such a request. The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) will provide a list of institutions that carry out relevant monitoring activities upon request for an EIA report from the CEA.
The investor should choose from which institution to obtain the EIA report.”
Minster Amaraweera instructed the CEA to investigate and find out whether any institution had unjustly demanded Rs. 300 million for the release of an environmental report.
The Environment Ministry yesterday launched a programme to plant white sandalwood saplings near the entrance to the Defence Headquarters to mark the first anniversary of the Husma Dena Thuru tree-planting programme aimed at increasing the country’s forest cover.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and a number of officials from the Army Headquarters were also present on the occasion.
The Minister said: “World Forest Day falls today (21). The theme of this Day is “Forest Restoration, Healing and a Path to Existence. 21 March has been designated as World Forest Day by the United Nations General Assembly since 2012.
“Sri Lanka has been celebrating this day since 2014. Also, this program is being launched today to mark the first anniversary of the programme launched by the Ministry of Environment to increase the forest cover.
“Sri Lanka’s forest cover is currently 29.02%. To increase it to 30 percent by 2030, we need to reforest 65,000 hectares. Although the responsibility for forestation is not directly vested in the Ministry of Environment, we will shoulder that responsibility.
“We have allocated Rs. 50 million this year for the Husma Dena Thuru National Tree Planting Programme.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Army for its support for this programme. I have also done a number of programmes with the Army. I would like to mention that it was due to the unwavering commitment of the Army personnel, the Defence Minister, the Defence Secretary and the Army Commander that we were able to achieve success.”
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
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 in the table below and it 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.
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