The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Sir, the “Asian Wildlife Officers’ Voice,” a bimonthly magazine of the Asian Wildlife Officers’ Council, carried a recognition of outstanding women wildlife officers in Asia, coinciding with the recent International Women’s Day. At a time when the global representation of women wildlife officers remains between 3% and 11%, two Sri Lankan officers—Cheth Jayasundara and Chathuri Sanjeewani—were recognized. Beginning my speech recalling their dedication to wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka, I wish to proceed.

¶ 02 Sir, in 1854, the Red Indian leader Chief Seattle delivered the historic speech “Song of the Earth” at a decisive moment for his motherland. He said:

¶ 03 “Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every meadowlark, every humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people.”

¶ 04 For those of us living on 65,610 square kilometres, there is no difference in our reverence for the land described in that “Song of the Earth.” Especially today, as humans—who are also part of the environment—attempt to control it through ill-advised decisions, we face massive environmental crises. Certain constructions undertaken unlawfully for decades, prolonged forest destruction debated in recent history, and development within protected areas have together broken the environmental balance of our country. The environmental system is presently in severe crisis.

¶ 05 As a consequence, we daily hear of elephant deaths. In areas like Kegalle, which I represent, the spread of crop-raiding animals—porcupines, peacocks, monkeys—has seriously affected cultivation and people’s lives. The cause is our failure to manage the environment properly and to utilize those resources through necessary programmes.

¶ 06 Sir, it is now the responsibility of the NPP Government to regularize long-standing irregular processes. But mistakes made over decades cannot be corrected in a day or two. We must now, through a more systematic and definite methodology, resolve these environmental problems and move forward as a country.

¶ 07 Last year, we received a report on the profits of the State Timber Corporation. In 2024, compared to the previous year, they have made a profit, with total revenue of Rs. 1,915 million. Regarding elephants, because of continued discussion, I note this too: while total revenue was Rs. 1,915 million, the Corporation manufactured 8,122 elephant fence posts to implement necessary measures to address human-elephant conflict. Such activities are being undertaken with State intervention.

¶ 08 As a Government, we presented the NPP policy statement. Regarding the environment, the core principles are clearly set out: environmental justice and equity; balance between environment and development; sustainable resource use and a precautionary approach; an ecosystem-based approach; institutional coordination and public participation; polluter pays; environmental good governance; community empowerment; environmental security and clean production. We have commenced the scientific implementation of this work programme.

¶ 09 Sir, funds have been allocated in this Budget to realize these objectives through the Ministry of Environment. For decades, various institutions related to environment were managed improperly under different Ministries. For the first time, the NPP Government has brought all institutions connected to environmental subjects under one Ministry, created inter-institutional linkages, drawn up plans, and begun implementation.

¶ 10 Sir, I am now ready to clarify about the Department of National Botanic Gardens, a Department receiving increased attention in this Budget. Its mandate is the in-situ conservation of plant diversity in Sri Lanka; this is its primary objective. Accordingly, Rs. 1,112 million has been allocated, with additional support from the Botanic Gardens Fund. Its main functions include promoting botanical garden landscaping and floriculture in Sri Lanka through the necessary technical and research activities, and building livelihood opportunities for professionals and raising public awareness through creation-linked activities. To implement these objectives, a higher proportion has been allocated this year to the Department. We use botanic gardens for recreation, leisure, enjoyment, and botanical study. According to last year’s records, Rs. 2.5 million in revenue was earned from tourist arrivals; compared to the previous year, revenue this year has increased by 52% to Rs. 1,366 million for the Department.

¶ 11 A main target in the 2025 Budget is the Plant Conservation Programme. Accordingly, threatened plants in the Embekka and Dunumadallawa forest reserves will be identified and researched through the Department, to implement in-situ conservation and to identify species sustainably for various industries. Also targeted is the production of 500,000 plants from all gardens for sale and home use. In 2025, focusing on research and floriculture, 30 research projects are planned on propagation methods, pest and disease management, and post-harvest technology. Furthermore, about 25,000 individuals will be trained in floriculture and plant-related fields, with 60 selected for specialized courses.

¶ 12 Next is the Floriculture Development Project. As women, we are keen on floriculture. The Department has organized a formal programme to contribute to their household economies. Programmes have been designed to empower existing lower and mid-level floriculturists. To further develop tourism, allocations to selected gardens—Peradeniya, Hakgala, Seethawaka, Mirijjawila and Henarathgoda—will be increased by 10% to improve visitor facilities, and an Akmeemana Mangrove Botanic Garden is planned. All these tasks are targeted in the 2025 Budget.

¶ 13 Sir, understanding that humans are a part of the environment—and not the other way around—this Budget allocates an increased share for the environment. The NPP Government has taken on the solemn duty of rebuilding the environment. Thank you for the time.