KANDY — Environment Protection laws will be enforced against anyone responsible for causing damage to the environment without favour. At least three engineers of the Ministry of Environment are already in trouble, Land, Environment and Mahaweli Development Minister Maithripala Sirisena told an All-religious Environment conference on Tuesday (31).

The conference was held in Polgolla.

Dignitaries of all faiths attended the seminar.

Minister Maithripala Sirisena told the meeting that the religious dignitaries could create the best opinion in society on the importance of protection of the environment. "The people in our country are still prepared to give a hearing to the clergy."

The Minister said that the voice of the clergy surpassed the voice of any sector inclusive of politicians and even the law enforcement authorities.

The environment Ministry authorities in the recent past have been taking legal steps against those responsible for the destruction of environment. Some judgements were so severe that they helped to save the environment of the country for future generation, the Minister noted.

The Minister urged religious dignitaries to admonish the laymen of all-walks of life to refrain from causing harm to the environment, in any manner, since lay people as a traditional in the country are willing to listen to the clergy.

Chief Minister Central Province, Sarath Ekanayake stressed the need of similar awareness meetings and seminars to impress the pubic on the importance of protection of the environment.

Dr. Vianey Fernando, His Lordship Bishop of Kandy was among the speakers.