Minister says changing world order will help exert pressure on the West 'the worst polluters'

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told BBC Sandeshsya that Sri Lanka, together with emerging economises such as China and India, need to help initiatives to protect environment.

"The Asian culture itself is a one that protects environment unlike Euro-centric cultures," he said.

"Therefore we believe China and India together have a better chance of creating a new world."

Minister Ranawaka who was a member of the government delegation to Durban Climate Change Summit told BBC Sandeshaya that Sri Lanka welcome the agreement to extend Kyoto protocol beyond 2015.

SAARC countries, as a region seriously affected by global warming, have a responsibility to take part in the campaign against carbon emissions, he said.

The minister, who was appreciative of the EU moves to tackle climate change, criticised anglo-saxon countries, namely UK and the USA.

Canada, Russia, Japan, India and China initially protested extending the Kyoto protocol at the Durban summit.

"I think by 2015 the West will be sidelined and emerging powers will be able to exert pressure on the West on environmental issues," added Minister Ranawaka.