Environmental Journalists Recognized

Features

Pragathi Man Salakunu 2008 was organized to recognize the services of environmental journalists in Sri Lanka, this event took place on June 04th 2009.

This session was organized by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Sri Lanka and was held at the Mahaweli center. This ceremony was inaugurated by the Minister of Mass Media and Communication Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Minister of Mass Media and Information & Minister of Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.Over 30 journalists from various media institutions were recognized for reporting on pressing environmental issues. The Deputy Director of the Ministry of Environment W. A. M. Wijesooriya opened the session by thanking the journalists for their service. Publisher of Earth Lanka was one of the recipients of the award presented. He was also a journalists working for Young Asia Television a media institution in Sri Lanka.Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated that the carbon emission of developed countries are much higher than expected and that regional reporters face much difficulties due to reporting environmental issues as a result. Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that representation of more youths as environmental journalists was a good thing for the future of the country. While Minister of Environment Patali Champika Ranawaka, stated that journalists should research and promote sustainable development. A Workshop on Biodiversity was also conducted during the event. Speaking at the event archeologist Dr.Gamini Adhikari stated that they managed to carry on more excavations with the participation of Bio Diversity Unit.The Wild Life conservation society of Galle also shared their views on their latest research on Bio Diversity.