The President, as Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment, has given these instructions while presiding over the progress review meeting of the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau (GSMB), held at the GSMB auditorium, yesterday (May 06).

During the meeting attention was drawn to establish an institution, which has the custodianship of all marine resources.

The President pointed out to the officials the importance of giving their assistance without any delay to successfully implement the development projects.

President Sirisena also joined in a session to obtain opinions and suggestions of staff of the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau.

"A great responsibility lies with the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau to protect the earth as well as the environment as they have the constitutional rights over the earth," the President further said.

Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, Kithsiri Dissanayake, Acting Director General Sajjana De Silva, officials of the GSMB participated in this progress review meeting.