News
UNCCD hosts exposure visit to dry zone to enhance drought risk management in South Asia
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), recently organized an exposure visit to select areas in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka as part of the Regional Workshop on Drought Risk Management and Mitigation. Approximately 40 policymakers and technical experts from Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, along with international experts from institutions such as the Global Water Partnership (GWP), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and International Water Management Institute (IWMI), visited the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP). This seven-year initiative is implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The visit provided participants with valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s innovative approaches to sustainable water management and drought resilience, particularly in the Dry Zone. Key locations visited included the Yakaandagaswewa Tank, the upper catchment of the Kapugama Tank in Anuradhapura, and climate-smart agriculture sites in Kithul Uthuwa, Polonnaruwa.
These CRIWMP sites demonstrated practical examples of water conservation practices, efficient irrigation techniques, and the integration of traditional knowledge to sustain agricultural productivity during droughts. Participants learned about the vital role of these community-driven initiatives in ensuring food security and sustainable water management amid climate change impacts. The exposure visit provided an opportunity for South Asian countries to exchange knowledge and practices, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable approach to drought management in the region.
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15th)
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Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
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Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
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