President calls for end to political patronage in environmental destruction

Condemns illegal activities and exposed corruption among State officials in Immigration, Customs and Mining sectors at the national ceremony to mark World Environment Day Calls on State officials to become “agents of life,” promising political backing for reform and warning: “either you change, or we will change you” Asserts Sri Lanka has strong laws, but political interference undermines implementation Cites rising landslides, droughts, floods, human-elephant conflict as signs of deteriorating ecosystem Opines environmental protection must transcend politics, offering unifying platform for all communities Declares ‘Bandula Pethiya’ habitat a protected sanctuary, gazettes four new nature reserves including Nilgala Conservation Area, designates three Eco-Friendly Model Schools, launches evaluation system for Green Railway Stations Insists on nation to restore lost ecological richness, transform Sri Lanka into global example of environmental harmony

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PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday issued a stern warning to both State officials and political actors, pledging to dismantle entrenched systems of political protection that have long enabled environmental degradation in the country.

Speaking at the national ceremony to mark World Environment Day held at Nidahas Mawatha in Kegalle, he acknowledged that while Sri Lanka possesses some of the region’s most comprehensive environmental legislation and capable enforcement apparatus, its effectiveness has been compromised by political interference and bureaucratic inertia.

“Sri Lanka already possesses some of the strongest environmental laws. Yet, political patronage has been a significant barrier. Many of the coastal sand mining operations are owned by politicians or their close associates — you know this as well as I do. Even forest destruction has taken place under political protection,” he stated.

The President in a clear message said: "Do not be agents of ecological destruction.

Be agents of life. We will provide the political support needed for you to do so." In a strong rebuke of the administrative culture within parts of the State sector, the President revealed recent findings of systemic misconduct across key institutions.

"We have discovered officials in the Department of Immigration forging passports. We have found Customs officers smuggling goods. There are even mining officials involved in enabling illegal exploitation. These are not isolated cases.

That is why I say, let go of the old ways," he stressed.

Pledging full political backing for reform-minded officials and institutions, Disanayake called on State workers to embrace change. "The time has come and I will repeat this again and again - either you change, or we will change you," he said.