The President was addressing a ceremony at the State Timber Corporation yesterday (April 1) to mark the 47th anniversary of the corporation and the presentation of gold medals to 47 employees who have completed more than 30 years of service.

“In the recent past, the gem industry was also under the clutches of the politicians. The present Government is totally committed to safeguard natural resources and to ensure establishment of a corrupt free and law abiding society not only for the present generation but also for the sake of the future generation,” the President said.

“Good people are produced only in a healthy natural environment consists of trees, animals and rivers and streams,” President Sirisena said. He recalled that Buddha also pointed out the close bond between the environment and humankind.