Prof.Hemanthi comments on environmental aspects on certain proposals in Budget 2016

* Energy – while providing a favorable investment environment for the development of renewable energy, it is required to talk about how we are going to procure the major source of energy. Even if we develop the renewable energy to the maximum it will still comprise of about 20% of the total energy demand by 2020. The proposed energy source is coal and it is a dirty fuel compared with other more desirable one such as natural gas. Already there is an attempt in the country to mine natural gas and we also have to think about importing natural gas from outside the country.

* Industry – The budget has promoted industries which are ready to invest in less developed areas and also technology. That is a good move. However, we need to inculcate a environmentally friendly investment environment and promote green business. Tax holidays/concessions need to be provided for business which enhance green cover and other such environmentally conducive products/services. Polluter Pay Principle need to be adopted to refrain the industries from polluting the environment. Green tax need to be applied for items which are having a complex and hazardous disposal method such as electronic items, batteries. This need to be procured from the producer and not from the consumer. This additional money will be deposited in a separate fund perhaps in the Ministry of Environment and Mahaweli Development and will be used towards hazardous waste disposal and other environmentally favorable efforts as appropriate.

* Transport – While increasing the public transport is the best and lasting solution to make  cities sustainable the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles had been a good effort to minimise the green house gas emissions. However, increasing of tax on these items will discourage the import of the above and the reason behind this is not appropriate.

* Consumer behaviour – In anticipation of banning polythene <20 mircons, consumers as well as small and medium businesses were getting ready for alternatives. However, this was not mentioned in the budget proposals.