The BSL Secretariat commenced work for the year 2022, on Monday 3rd January 2022. Amidst the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and new year sweet meats, the Chair of the Board of Directors, Mr. Dilhan C Fernando, our CEO Mr. Prema Cooray and Director, Mr. Chandrarathna Vithanage visited the office, offering guidance and words of advice.
Mr. Fernando, addressing the staff stated that Sri Lanka’s economic growth over the years has proceeded at the expense of the environment, and the prospect of accelerated growth in a post-war, post covid economy is leading to even greater environmental pressures. Although some success has been achieved in combating environmental deterioration with various programs and reforms, environmental indicators in both rural and urban areas are generally showing a declining trend. It is important to understand that sustaining growth and achieving sustainable development will critically hinge upon how well its environment and natural resources are utilized and managed. He expressed confidence that Biodiversity Sri Lanka’s work in assisting the private sector to make a paradigm shift in efforts to place true and realistic values on Sri Lanka’s natural heritage, setting and then reaching new ambitious targets to value and conserve the fundamental riches of life support systems and the wildlife and people that depend upon them was fundamental to this day and age.
He wished the Secretariat all success in its endeavors throughout the year.
