News
UK, Sri Lanka discuss climate cooperation ahead of COP30
A high-level discussion between Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and British Deputy High Commissioner Theresa O’ Mahony was held yesterday afternoon at the Ministry of Environment, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation on climate and environmental initiatives, ahead of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP30).
Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, Environment Ministry Secretary K.R. Uduwawala, and several senior officials were also present at the meeting.
The discussions centred on Sri Lanka’s preparations for COP30, including the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3) and implementing its National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Both parties explored ways to align national strategies with global climate goals while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development.
A key focus of the dialogue was enhancing the resilience of Sri Lanka’s national framework to counter the impacts of climate change. The two sides also discussed an initiative to be presented at the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), titled “Enhancing the Meaningful Participation of Children and Youth in Environmental and Climate Change Action.”
Minister Patabendi emphasised the importance of institutionalising youth participation in national and international decision-making processes related to the environment and climate change. He also underlined the need to integrate environmental and climate topics into education systems, while promoting practical, community-based learning.
Calling for the United Kingdom’s continued support, Minister Patabendi highlighted the importance of expanding access to resources and technical assistance for youth-led environmental projects. He stressed the need to establish a strategic framework to ensure intergenerational equity as a guiding principle in environmental governance.
Deputy High Commissioner O’ Mahony commended Sri Lanka’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people and strengthen climate resilience.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue close collaboration in the lead-up to COP30, ensuring Sri Lanka’s active engagement in global climate dialogues and sustainable development efforts.
By Ifham Nizam
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, at Temple Tress on the 17th of February
Dr. Georgieva, commended the Government’s efforts in stabilizing the country’s economy and in managing recent economic and natural shocks. She noted that Cyclone Ditwah had caused severe impacts, especially on economically vulnerable communities, underscoring the importance of targeted support and resilience-building measures.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The PM further emphasized that real economic recovery and development must directly benefit the economically vulnerable groups and ensure inclusive growth, highlighting the need for Sri Lanka to attract quality and sustainable investments, particularly in the tourism sector.
The importance of reforming the education system to focus not only on knowledge acquisition but also on skills development and employability was also discussed
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the IMF Managing Director Andreas Bauer, Director, Asia and Pacific Department, Dr. Krishna Srinivasan Division Chief (Strategic Communications), Communications Department, Pierre Mejlak Resident Representative for Sri Lanka Dr. Martha Woldemichael, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Deputy Governor Dr. C. Amarasekara, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to relocate the Deniyaya Base Hospital after constructing a new hospital with a capacity of 300 beds at an estimated cost of Rupees 6,000 million.
The Southern Provincial Department of Health has acquired a plot of land in Handford estate which is approximately 03 kilometres away from the town for this purpose.
News
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The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the resolution furnished by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft a bill to legally empower the implementation of ‘Praja Shakthi’ (Strength of the Community) poverty alleviation national movement
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