News

Green Growth takes the stage: Sri Lanka hosts high-level event on climate action

Published

3 years ago

2023/02/12

The Ministry of Environment and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) organized a High-Level Event on Strategies and Actions to Accelerate Sri Lanka’s Transition to a Green Growth Pathway on February 6.

The event (was) aimed to complement ongoing efforts to transform Sri Lanka’s development, by formalizing the application of a green growth model. It was under the patronage of President Ranil Wickramasinghe and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute, the event brought together key stakeholders from government, private sector, development partners, academia, and civil society, a news release connected with the event said.

“Delivering a key statement at the event Ban Ki-moon reinstated a powerful statement, “We have no excess time to spare, nor do we have a Plan B or a Planet B. This is what we will bestow upon our succeeding generation”. A message that resonated strongly with the diverse audience members,” it said.

During his welcome remarks, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary Ministry of Environment expressed that the Government of Sri Lanka was not able to successfully deliver alone on the transition to a green development pathway and were seeking the support of all the experts invited and looking forward to forging partnerships and working in close collaboration, over the long term.

The event featured a panel discussion on strategies and actions to accelerate Sri Lanka’s green growth pathway, moderated by Dr. Achala Abeysinghe, GGGI Asia Regional Director and Head of Programs. Leaders representing various sectors presented their perspectives on strategies and actions

Ms. Kumudini Vidyalankara, Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, discussed the development of a green enabling environment in Sri Lanka. She acknowledged that while the country has robust policies and plans in place, there are still significant obstacles that need to be addressed, including a lack of financing, technical expertise, and capacity.

This sentiment was echoed by Environment Minister Naseer Ahamed in his remarks. The Government of Sri Lanka is keen to work closely with development partners, organizations such as GGGI, and the private sector to address these gaps.

Mr. Dimantha Seneviratne, Chief Executive Officer of the National Development Bank PLC [NDB] stated that many banks are currently working towards accessing significant funding from global climate financiers for the purpose of on-lending to green projects, while also building the required institutional capacity to play this role. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka as the regulator has facilitated this process by formulating the required regulatory environment with the launch of the “Green Finance Taxonomy”.

Senaratne further stated that the consideration of a debt-for-nature swap transaction to supplement the sovereign debt restructuring process can serve as a key demonstration project for Sri Lanka that can mirror the success of such transactions executed in the South American region.

Ms. Karin Fernando, Senior Research Professional and Team Leader for Sustainable Development at the Center for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) was of the view that while greening is important, there is also a real need to reduce inequalities and increase opportunities. This means reducing the gap between urban and rural areas through diversifying employment options to include jobs that are not dependent on natural resources. Recognizing the rights and dignity of the poor, ensuring that they are not dispossessed and have support to transition into new jobs is also something to be prioritized, she said.

Mr. Dilhan Fernando, CEO of Dilmah Tea and Chair of Biodiversity Sri Lanka, indicated that only when businesses understand the need for climate action as well as realize the impact that collective action by the private sector can have, can there be a sincere and urgent commitment to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG). This includes considering aspects of business operations that might degrade nature while seeking to innovate in terms of products, processes, materials, and strategies for ending biodiversity loss, reducing pollution, and striving for nature-positive business.

Finally, Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Senior Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya spoke about the use of climate-smart technologies to increase food security and reduce vulnerability in both urban and rural settings. Along with the importance of observing good agricultural practices coupled with green growth scenarios. Closing the panel discussion Dr. Abeysinghe noted that GGGI and the development partner community were dedicated to supporting the Sri Lankan government in achieving its green goals.

Delivering key remarks at the conclusion of the event, President Wickremesinghe highlighting the nation’s double jeopardy. The ongoing struggle with both an economic crisis and fiscal imbalances to address climate action. He emphasized the need for international cooperation and stronger financial commitments from developed countries to address these pressing challenges.

Additionally, Ban Ki-moon highlighted GGGI’s willingness to support Sri Lanka in new areas such as Debt for Nature Swaps, floating Solar or electric buses; projects that the organization is piloting and developing investment strategies for in numerous countries across the world.

He concluded his recommendations by emphasizing the importance of the proposed steps in creating a comprehensive and ambitious partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka, GGGI, and the private sector. He assured that the GGGI and its members are fully committed to supporting Sri Lanka in its green transition and will spare no effort in doing so.

Dr. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu, Country Representative for GGGI in Sri Lanka, stressed in her vote of thanks, that a synopsis from the event would be shared and include the views expressed not just by the speakers, but by all invitees, collated through an online app during the event, on priority actions and concrete steps needed to work collectively to move the green growth agenda forward.

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News

House erupts over suspension of Deputy Secretary General

Published

12 hours ago

2026/02/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday raised concerns over the recent suspension of Parliament’s Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff, G.K.A. Chaminda Kumara Kularatne, alleging that the process appeared to be mala fide. Addressing Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament, Premadasa said that the existence of a personal disagreement between the Speaker and the suspended official had created a potential conflict of interest.

Premadasa said disciplinary action against senior parliamentary officials had to be taken in keeping with established parliamentary precedents. He also questioned the legality and propriety of a lower-ranking official leading an inquiry against a senior officer.

“For the first time, we are witnessing a rift between the Speaker and the staff of the Secretary-General. All parties must step back, act democratically and ensure that the fundamental rights of Chaminda Kularatne are safeguarded,” he added.

ITAK Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said Kularatne had not been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations made against him.

“This is a disgraceful situation. A complaint has been lodged against you with the Bribery Commission. Parliament is the supreme institution of democracy in this country, and the precedent being created here is dangerous,” Rasamanickam said, addressing the Speaker.

SJB Kandy District MP Chamindranee Kiriella said the Speaker was duty-bound to inform the House before disciplinary action was taken against a parliamentary official. SJB MP Ajith P. Perera said it was unethical for the Speaker to assume a leadership role in the inquiry, and called for the matter to be entrusted to an independent authority.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Chief Government Whip and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said the chief investigating officer, S.K. Liyanage, an Additional Secretary, had been appointed by the Staff Advisory Committee on 25 August, 2025. He said Liyanage had been selected from a pool of qualified officers at the Ministry of Public Administration and had prior experience in conducting investigations.

Leader of the House and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the Staff Advisory Committee had agreed on the respective powers of parliamentary officials, noting that the Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of Ministry Secretary, while the Deputy Secretary General would hold powers equivalent to those of an Additional Secretary.

“There is no irregularity in the conduct of the investigation or in the appointment of the investigating officers,” Rathnayake said.

On 24 January, 2026, Parliament announced the immediate suspension of Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff Chaminda Kularatne with effect from 23 January, citing concerns relating to his appointment. Kularatne had assumed duties on 15 September, 2023.

On Monday, Kularatne filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, alleging corruption. His legal counsel, Attorney-at-Law Mithun Dias, said the complaint had been filed against the Speaker in his personal capacity and not against the government.

However, Dr Jayatissa told the House that the investigation into Kularatne was based on concerns relating to his appointment, qualifications and the process by which he had been confirmed in that post and was not linked to any personal dispute with the Speaker.

By Saman Indrajith

News

78th Independence Day celebrations at Bogambara Stadium

Published

12 hours ago

2026/02/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

The 78th Independence Day celebrations in the Central Province are scheduled to be held today from 8:00 AM at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy.

The celebrations are jointly organised by the Central Provincial Council and the Kandy District Secretariat. The Governor of the Central Province, Prof. S.B.S. Abeykoon, is expected to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event will also see the participation of Kandy District Members of Parliament, the Chief Secretary of the Central Province, Mr. Ajith Premathilake, as well as representatives from the Tri-Forces, Police, school students, and various voluntary organisations.

The ceremony will feature a formal parade and cultural performances by school children.

By S.K. Samaranayake

News

Colombo-Kandy railway line to be fully restored this year – Minister Bimal

Published

12 hours ago

2026/02/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, has announced that the reconstruction of the Colombo-Kandy railway line, which was severely damaged by landslides in the Balana and Kadugannawa areas, will be completed within this year to restore normal train services.

The Minister made this statement during the Kandy District Development Committee meeting held at the District Secretariat. He noted that work will commence following the observations and technical reports provided by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) regarding the stability of the landslide-affected areas.

Financial Management and Development

Minister Rathnayake emphasised that the government possesses the necessary funds for development projects.

“Our government has the funds. However, all officials must ensure these funds are managed efficiently so that they are fully utilised for development, without being returned to the Treasury at the end of the year,” he stressed.

Improvements in Public Transport

Highlighting the progress in the transport sector, the Minister shared several key updates

• Recruitment: 700 new employees have been recruited to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and are currently undergoing training.

• School Transport: Steps are being taken to strengthen the ‘Sisu Sariya’ school bus service within the Kandy District.

• Infrastructure: The reconstruction of the Peradeniya Black Bridge (Kalu Paalama), which was damaged during the ‘Ditwah’ disaster, is nearing completion.

Welfare facilities for Private Transport Workers

The Minister also revealed plans to support the welfare of private bus drivers and conductors.

“We must look after the workers in the private transport sector as well. We are planning to establish a welfare fund for them and are taking steps to include them in the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) system,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister urged state officials to perform their duties responsibly and ensure that the inefficiencies seen under previous administrations do not recur.

By S.K. Samaranayake