He said, “We have promoted love towards forests and adopted the use of forest friendly words such as Kotuwel Kelle and Kevita in the past. In line with this tradition we hope to create a forest in each village so that future generations would stand to benefit”.

Minister Rajapaksa was addressing an awareness workshop on climate change organized by the UNDP at the Mt. Lavinia Hotel for state officials attached to the Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma programmes on June 29.

The Minister said: “The government is striving hard to protect and enhance the country's natural environment system. It appreciated the warnings offered by the UNDP about climatic changes in the country, which have increased in recent times. We are duty bound to protect the environment.

“Through the Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma we provided facilities to the people to ensure food security. We cannot stop climate change, we are however building an environment friendly agricultural industry.

“We hope to bring in stringent legislation to ensure protection of forest and national vegetarian,” Minister Rajapaksa said.

Environment Development Ministry Additional Secretary R.A.A.K. Ranawaka and Divi Neguma programme director Jayatillake Herath were also present at the occasion.