NPP leader praises ex-president Sirisena for environment protection efforts

COLOMBO (News1st): An opposition party leader has lauded former president Maithripala Sirisena for his efforts to protect the environment without bending the law for his brother. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the National Peoples Power, said sand mining in Manampitiya was once halted under the former government, and that the President's brother had been mining sand in the area. "He (the president's brother) requested if I could talk to the President and resolve this issue," Dissanayake said adding that he had spoken to the President and inquired about the matter. "He (the President) said that he has strictly told his brother to not go to that area". The NPP leader said he appreciates the stance of former president who ruled from 2015 to 2019, in this regard, although he had certain shortcomings.