President Maithripala Sirisena, in a message released for World Environment Day, said even though human being for centuries had failed to take cognizance of the fact they were just one part of nature, it was not too late to work in harmony with nature, towards a more sustainable future.

In his message the President said, ‘It took several centuries for the human beings to be modest enough to accept the fact that they are only one of creations of the nature.’

Even though human civilizations, from its origin, made efforts to change the natural environment to suit their needs, at present, due to the frequently occurring of natural disasters, we have to admit that humans cannot survive without a sustainable environment.

Nature reminds us its message through landslides, devastating floods and drought.

Nevertheless, it is not too late to understand the message of nature comprehensively, as well as to live in harmony with nature.’

He said World Environment Day, held under the theme 'Connecting People To Nature', invited people to build a nature-friendly society.

‘This year’s World Environment Day expects to bring knowledge and awareness to the people about the need to sustain environment in their activities and daily lifestyle,’ the President said.

‘Avoiding lifestyle habits unfavorable to nature and engaging in appropriate nature friendly lifestyle habits is directly inter-connected with human survival.’

‘I wish every success for all the World Environment Day programmes carried out to achieve these goals, and join with all those who contribute for the sustainability of the environment,’ he further said.