Wetlands And Tourism
Wetlands and Tourism was the theme for this year World Wet Lands Day.
National Ceremony to commemorate the 41st Anniversary of the World Wetlands Day was held in the Waters Edge, Battataramulla Sri Lanka in the presence of Minister of Environment Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardena and Chairman of Central Environment Authority Mr. Charitha Herath. Speaking at the event Chairman of the Central Environment Authority stated that after the Declaration of the Ramsar Act in 1971, in Iran, Sri Lanka has conserved our wetlands in proper manner. Speaking further he stated that steps have been taken to protect wetlands in the Gregory Lake, Muturajawela and Thalangama Lake. Addressing the event Minister Anurapriyadharshana Yapa stated that more education and awareness is needed to protect wetlands and we should be proud as our forest cover in the country is around 24%. An awards ceremony was also held with the event to award the winners of the wetland quiz competition which carried out island wide recently with Ceylon Biscuits Limited.