President Maithripala Sirisena underscored that everyone should be dedicated to solving the drinking water problem of the North in a more humane manner.

The President laid this emphasis at a special gathering held at the auditorium of the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment to discuss the drinking water issue of the North, the President Media Unit said on Wednesday (29).

The President asserted to the Ministry officials the importance of constantly holding talks with the parties concerned to sort out the drinking water problem which has become a grave issue for the Northern civilians. 

The President also instructed them to maintain frequent contacts with the Northern Governor and the Chief Minister and finalize the necessary arrangements.

President Sirisena made inquiries from the officials on the illegal sand mining which has become a serious environmental threat in the North. Thereby, the President ordered that necessary initiatives be taken to curtail this situation and prevent a major environmental hazard from taking place. The President was of the view that laws related to illegal sand mining should be enforced to the letter.