A journey to raise awareness on the adversities of climate change, which began last week, is currently in progress and is due to conclude on August 29.
Organized by eco friendly Volunteers, 21 young nature enthusiasts, between the ages of 18-20 began the journey for climate justice from Nallathanniye on 'Sripada' (Adam's Peak) and on their way towards Kelaniya, trekking, floating and cycling along the Kelani river.
The Provincial Environment Ministry of the Western Province, UN Volunteers and the Sri Lanka Scout Association jointly supports the endeavour. Another significant feature of the 'Kelani Nadee Yathra' is the presence of rehabilitated ex-LTTE military cadres who are now enjoying their lives with their families.
Extending the fullest support for the venture is Western Province Minister of Environment Udaya Gammanpila. "The community project will help change the attitudes towards climate change and its effects on nature at grassroots level," he said. Many people are unaware that climate change is one of the main reasons for agricultural, health and climatic problems we face, according to Minister Gammanpila said. Highlighting the importance of choosing Kelani river minister Gammanpila said that with the rise in sea water levels more salt water tend to flow inland thus making the water of the river unusable. "Extracting river sand despite the ban and limitations imposed on the trade has aggravated the situation," he added.
Organized by eco friendly Volunteers, 21 young nature enthusiasts, between the ages of 18-20 began the journey for climate justice from Nallathanniye on 'Sripada' (Adam's Peak) and on their way towards Kelaniya, trekking, floating and cycling along the Kelani river.
The Provincial Environment Ministry of the Western Province, UN Volunteers and the Sri Lanka Scout Association jointly supports the endeavour. Another significant feature of the 'Kelani Nadee Yathra' is the presence of rehabilitated ex-LTTE military cadres who are now enjoying their lives with their families.
Extending the fullest support for the venture is Western Province Minister of Environment Udaya Gammanpila. "The community project will help change the attitudes towards climate change and its effects on nature at grassroots level," he said. Many people are unaware that climate change is one of the main reasons for agricultural, health and climatic problems we face, according to Minister Gammanpila said. Highlighting the importance of choosing Kelani river minister Gammanpila said that with the rise in sea water levels more salt water tend to flow inland thus making the water of the river unusable. "Extracting river sand despite the ban and limitations imposed on the trade has aggravated the situation," he added.
The salt water has caused irreparable damages to arable lands at certain locations along the Kelani river and the Eco Friendly Volunteers (Eco-V) are making a strong effort to reach their goals through this public awareness campaign, spearheaded by President of Eco-V, Kanchana Weerakoon.
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/08/21/new56.asp
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/08/21/new56.asp
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