News
“30×30 – Conservation and Prosperity for Nature and People” program launched
Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Advisor on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development, at the launch of the “Sri Lanka 30×30 – Conservation and Prosperity: for Nature and People” initiative recently at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo.
He highlighted the nation’s dedication to ensuring a healthy planet for future generations through sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Ratanayaka noted that Sri Lanka’s mangrove restoration program has received international acclaim for its success. He highlighted that the government has implemented several such projects aimed at protecting sensitive ecosystems and reinforcing the country s commitment to environmental conservation.
He also emphasized that the “Sri Lanka 30×30” program showcases the nations commitment to supporting local communities and contributing to global conservation efforts. He stressed that cooperation and partnerships are crucial for protecting Sri Lanka’s unique ecosystems and achieving the program’s ambitious goals.
The implementation of these projects, overseen by the Chief of Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security is a top national priority. The initiative was coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat Climate Change Office. Key government departments involved in the design of the projects included the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and several others dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.
This initiative aimed at conserving the nation’s unique biodiversity while promoting sustainable economic prosperity. This landmark approach to develop a set of projects while balancing conservation and development is a significant step towards Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable development and green economic revival.
The “Sri Lanka 30×30” program is designed to attract over USD 1.5 billion in investments between 2025 and 2030. The launch event witnessed the participation of over 95 government entities, local and international non-governmental organizations, and corporates, all unified in their support for this ambitious initiative.
The program aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by Sri Lanka and 195 other countries in 2022 at the COP15 biodiversity conference in Montreal. The GBF outlines 23 targets focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, aimed at benefiting both nature and people.
As part of the “Sri Lanka 30×30” initiative, the government has identified nine national priority conservation programs, each designed to address critical environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices including; Improve the protection and connectivity of wet zone ecosystems; Halt forest loss in the dry zone by increasing protection; Restore degraded forest and mangrove habitats; Sustainably develop and enhance protected area tourism to fund conservation. Improve human-elephant coexistence; Enhance the health and productivity of river systems, starting with the Kelani River basin; Enhance conservation of marine ecosystems for the benefit of nature and people;
Strengthen sustainable fishery management practices and reverse the Ensuring sustainable use of fish stocks and reversing the decline of key commercial species; Protect marine megafauna by reducing disturbances to whales caused by whale watchers and ships.
Sri Lanka’s rich natural capital offers immense potential for a green economic revival. By conserving its biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource management, the country aims to build a resilient economy that benefits future generations.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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