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| Tuesday, 21 September 2004 |
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| Local knowledge required to create ozone-friendly environment - Dinesh by Florence Wickramage Local traditional knowledge could be used effectively to protect the Ozone Layer and to create an Ozone-friendly environment and positive research into this aspect was a necessity, Urban Development and Water Supply Minister Dinesh Gunawardene said. The Minister was addressing a Seminar on "The Influence of the Ozone Layer on Water Resources" held at the Head Office of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board at Ratmalana, organised to commemmorate the International Ozone Day - September 16th. The Minister said that several actions of man which contribute to the destruction of the Ozone layer also impacts negatively on the country's drinking water resources. Around 70% of the world's pure water is used for irrigation purposes, and chemical fertilisers are being used to protect crops. Therefore the non-use of chemical fertilisers would prevent pure water contamination which in turn would protect the Ozone layer. Minister Gunawardene added that in the middle of the 1980s Scientists found out that the Ozone Layer which provides a covering to the earth was depleting. Scientists have also confirmed that several actions of man committed unknowingly was contributing to the depletion of the Ozone Layer which was necessary for the existence of both man and animal. Stating that Sri Lanka was committed to the International Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer the Minister said that adopting measures to safeguard the Ozone Layer could not be handled by one particular institution alone. He added that state institutions and non-governmental organisations should adopt a coordinated approach and that it was important that each should understand what their particular contributions were towards this mission. Secretary to the Urban Development and Water Supply Ministry Thosapala Hewage, Working Director Sunil Sarath Perera and Director National Ozone Unit Dr. W. L. Sumathipala were among those present at the Seminar. |
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