Mannar Diocese Bishop Emmanuel Fernando Andagai has raised the alarm to protect the natural resources of Mannar district and called for immediate action to prevent the exploitation and destruction of the region's natural treasures under the guise of development.
Emphasising the collective responsibility to preserve the earth for future generations, the bishop said "this earth is a common house for all of us to live in. Therefore, as we have received these rich and prosperous natural resources from our ancestors, we have an obligation to hand them over to our future leaders.”
At a media meeting led by Mannar Karitas-Valvuthayam director Reverend S. Anton Adikalar, concerns were raised over various threats to Mannar's natural resources, including mineral mining, wind power projects, illegal dredging, the illegal entry of Indian trawlers, deforestation, destruction of coastal vegetation, and encroachment on wildlife sanctuaries.
Reverend Adikalar stressed the need for immediate action, calling on higher authorities, nature conservation bodies, charities, international organisations, conservation activists, and the public to join forces. "People should be aware of the massive consequences and disasters that we are facing due to this. We request the concerned higher authorities to take immediate action," he emphasised.
