President Maithripala Sirisena stressed that his government will focus on the protection of the environment while striving for economic development.

Making a special statement on his government's policy, Sirisena said that the world has moved towards concepts such as knowledge based economy, sustainable development and green economy. His government will focus on such novel concepts, the President said.

Interestingly, the President made these observations amidst an ongoing controversy regarding an oil leak to the Kelani River from the Coca-Cola plant in Biyagama.

It is widely believed that the President will retain the cabinet ministerial portfolio of Environment.