Sustainable regional strategic plan was to eradicate poverty

The sustainable regional strategic path of Sri Lanka is one of the first strategic plans to be created that stresses the importance of water. Water is among 17 other sustainable development goals mentioned in the United Nations agenda and with universal integration “we” in Sri Lanka have to adopt to such goals to eradicate poverty affecting over two million, said Prof. Mohan Munasinghe last week.

He was speaking at the launch of the book titled “Natural Resources and Environment Management Policy” at the Central Bank Auditorium at Rajagiriya, Kotte. The book is authored by retired public servant Nanda Abeywickrama.

Prof. Munasinghe said the book by Mr. Abeywickrama has enormous relevance to the scientific community and for policy makers in the future as it focuses on water for sustainable development needs of the poor in the rural areas who depend mostly on natural resources.

He said adverse climate change and natural disasters affect the world as a whole. Referring to the Forestry Master plan formulated way back in the 1980’s and while he was in a ministry along with Mr. Abeywickrama, he said such a plan was developed for the first time in the world.

He said he was in Portugal two months ago with former US President Barack Obama where they launched a protocol along with 3,500 political and business leaders who pledged their support to sustainable development goals of the UN Charter. “Although leaders have promised many things it was others like mayors of cities and CEO’s of companies and professionals who pledged their support to the sustainable development goals.”

He said there is a concept called “economical footprint of humanity” where humans contribute to the environment. “Following the Green Growth Path for sustainable development we cannot only become a prosperous Indian ocean hub but also a Green hub in the region.” The sustainable development plan consist of three important elements such as the economy, society and the environment for wellbeing of a nation, he added.

Emeritus Prof. Roberto Lenton who worked as an expert advisor to the Sri Lanka government in the 1990 recalled his days in Sri Lanka almost 25 years ago. He said the book authored by Mr. Abeywickrama focuses on poverty reduction, the environment and managing the country’s resources. Prof. Lenton said the author was responsible for initiating major policy initiatives in the country on resource management which was not only important for Sri Lanka but to the rest of the world as well. The book which highlights managing the country’s resources to meet the needs of the poor was an important subject at the global level as three quarters of the world population live in rural areas engaged in livestock production and fisheries depending on natural resources like water. He said when natural resources get depleted the poor is affected and are forced to migrate elsewhere.

Lalit Godamunne chaired the event while Tissa Devendra, Dr. Madar Samad and Dr. Ramani Ellepola and Mr. Abeywickrama spoke on the occasion.