COLOMBO, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government is moving to identify and document the island's vital aquifers as part of a nationwide effort to conserve Sri Lanka's surface and groundwater resources, a senior government official said on Thursday.
Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody said the move comes after the cabinet approved a complete amendment to the 62-year-old Water Resources Board Act, aimed at creating a modern legal framework for water security.
At a preliminary discussion held at the Ministry of Environment, it was decided that a special ministerial committee to oversee national water conservation programs will be appointed, Jayakody said.
He said the committee will focus on documenting water source systems and monitoring protection measures for both surface and groundwater resources.
Jayakody also stressed the need for stronger legal safeguards and community-led reforestation projects to protect identified water systems.
The ministry said the integrated conservation program will officially begin in conjunction with World Environment Day, which falls on June 5. ■