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Embarking on a ‘Green Roadtrip’ seeking environmental justice
The inaugural session of the ‘Green Roadtrip’, a project to mobilise communities for environmental justice across the country, was successfully held in Colombo recently. This series of events will be implemented by the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy of the University of Colombo, through the Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE), funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF Sri Lanka, facilitated by the Ministry of Justice.
The UNDP has said: The opening ceremony of the ‘Green Roadtrip’ series was presided over by Senior Professor H.D. Karunarathna, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo; along with Prof (Dr.) Sampath Punchihewa, Dean, Faculty of Law; Prof (Dr.) Kokila Konasinghe, Director, Centre for Environmental Law and Policy; and representatives from UNDP.
Speaking at the occasion, Senior Professor H.D. Karunarathna remarked on the value and importance of this initiative at a juncture when environmental issues have become a global challenge. “JURE has provided the perfect platform for the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, to embark on this new initiative by promoting environmental awareness among the public authorities and youth communities,” he further added.
The initial segment of this programme was for public officials from provincial level and local government authorities representing the Western Province, covering national pollution control laws, environmental protection license, public nuisance issues and environmental duties in legislation pertaining to local governments. Guest lectures from experts in the field, such as Hemantha Vidanage, Senior Advisor to the Centre for Environmental Justice and Dr. Rathnayaka, Deputy Director of the Central Environmental Authority, further enriched the programme. The sessions encouraged interaction and idea-sharing among the participants and was concluded with an awarding of certificates for all participants.
The third day of the event targeted youth groups, with around 85 youth participants representing various universities, clubs and societies, participating. The session topics selected for youth participants covered environmental justice and sustainable development and saw the lively participation and interaction of the youth groups.
Speaking at this inaugural event in Colombo, Maheshi Herat, Technical Specialist (Civil and Criminal) of the JURE Project, UNDP stated, “Environmental degradation and its impact, can have harrowing implications on the well-being of people, including their right to life. JURE partnered with CELP to enable this countrywide roadtrip to take place, which will create awareness on environmental justice and empower those who are in positions of authority to take the best course of action.”
With the initiation of the Green Roadtrip in Colombo, the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy, University of Colombo, is on the path to engage with government bodies and youth groups in all provinces around the country, discussing laws and legislation surrounding environmental law, concept of environmental justice, environmental rights, sustainable development goals, role of government in addressing environmental issues, sustainable energy and the green economy. Specially curated sessions will also be held to address area-specific environmental issues, during this roadtrip.
News
INS NIREEKSHAK makes port call in Colombo
The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit on 21 Apr 26.
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.
Commanded by, Commander Sailesh Kumar Tyagi, this Diving Support Vessel is set to conduct a training programme with the diving professionals of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The crew is also scheduled to participate in several activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy and visit some tourist attractions within the country.
Latest News
Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central, Southern, Uva provinces, and Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts
Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 21 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.30 p.m. 21 April 2026
Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Northcentral, Southern, Uva provinces, and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities
Latest News
Six Foreign Envoys Present Credentials to President Dissanayake
Two High Commissioners, three Ambassadors and an Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (20).
The ceremony, held at 10.00 a.m., followed the formal order of precedence, with the envoys representing Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Luxembourg, the Holy See, Pakistan and Kuwait.
Accordingly, diplomats who presented their credentials were:
01. Vincent Sumale, High Commissioner-designate of Papua New Guinea (Based in New Delhi)
02. Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, Ambassador-designate of Somalia (Based in New Delhi)
03. Christian Biever, Ambassador-designate of Luxembourg (Based in New Delhi)
04. Monsignor Andrzej Józwowicz, Apostolic Nuncio-designate of the Holy See
05. Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan
06. Saleh Mubarak Al-Sarawi, Ambassador-designate of Kuwait
Following the presentation of credentials, the President engaged in a cordial discussion with them. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, and the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also in attendance.
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