News

European Union and Expertise France signed an agreement to set up a Green Policy Dialogue Facility

Published

3 years ago

2023/05/13

In response to the pressing global environmental challenges and current economic and financial crisis in Sri Lanka, the European Union (EU) and its Team Europe partners will shortly launch the Green Policy Dialogue Facility (GPDF), the EU said in a press release yesterday (12).

The new Facility was discussed with Sri Lankan authorities during the Development Working Group and the Joint Commission meetings that took place on 8th and 9th of May 2023, a series of high level annual meetings between Sri Lankan authorities and high ranked EU officials of the European Commission and the European External Action Services, who visited the country to discuss matters related to EU-Sri Lanka relations in trade, human rights and development cooperation.

Mr. Mario Ronconi, Head of Unit for South and South East Asia, Directorate General for International Partnerships, leading the mission of the European Commission, explained that “this four-year initiative will be implemented by Expertise France, part of the AFD group (French Development Agency) and a member of the Team Europe Initiative in Sri Lanka, will accompany Sri Lankan authorities and society to lay down the foundation for a transition towards a green and inclusive economy and society.”

H.E. Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, added that “promoting a more sustainable life style is at the core of European policies and would also offer new economic opportunities, reduce dependencies and ultimately provide much needed macroeconomic stability and resilience in the country”.

The Facility will support policy implementation to achieve a green and blue economy that is circular, carbon neutral and respectful of biodiversity resources and it will be implemented in partnership with Sri Lankan public institutions, in particular the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Finance, as well as government institutions focusing on SMEs.The objective is to create a technical assistance platform where the European Union and Sri Lanka can share their policy experience and ultimately promote transfer of technology between European and Sri Lankan companies, facilitating investment in innovative solutions in response to our global environmental challenges.

With a 5 million euro budget, the Facility will be part of a series of financial assistance to be rolled out between 2021 and 2027 under the Team Europe Initiative on Green Recovery, which will mainly focus on circular economy in the food industry and on valuing and protecting Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. It will also support EU Member States in developing, financing and implementing additional initiatives in the country.

Jérémie Pellet, CEO of Expertise France, announced that this will be the first project implemented by Expertise France in Sri Lanka. “As part of the AFD Group, it will strengthen the presence of France, an EU member state, in the country. In doing so, the AFD Group renews and reinforces its ambition to support and accompany Sri Lanka in its transition towards a green, sustainable and inclusive economy,” he added.

All News Advertisement

Up Next

Dialog Facilitates Sri Lanka’s First Multi-Camera Angle Viewing of Big Match Futureverse Livestream

Don't Miss

The government Prioritizes Economic Recovery

Click to comment

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.

News

PHIs launch Vesak ‘Dansal’ safety registration drive

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have announced that registration of ‘Dansal’ organised islandwide in view of the upcoming Vesak Poya has already commenced.

President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), K.P. Boralessa, said that organisers intending to conduct ‘Dansal’ are required to inform and register with the PHI attached to the relevant area.

He said organisers must also provide details of the location and the type of ‘Dansal’ being conducted.

Following registration, PHIs will conduct awareness programmes for organisers on maintaining required health and safety standards during the conduct of such events, he added.

Boralessa warned that legal action would be taken against those who organise ‘Dansal’ without proper registration or in an unsafe manner.

He further said PHIs will inspect venues on the eve of each ‘Dansala’ to assess suitability, including waste disposal arrangements, availability of drinking water, quality of water used for cooking, and condition of equipment at the site.

In addition, those involved in food preparation and serving will also be inspected to ensure hygiene standards are maintained, he said.

“These measures are taken to ensure that food provided at ‘Dansal’ is safe and hygienic for the public. Special attention must be paid to the ingredients used, and only healthy ingredients should be utilised,” Boralessa added.