The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, globally, environmental impacts are felt here at the same intensity. I thank Hon. Hector Appuhamy for bringing this timely motion.

¶ 02 Climate change subjects us to severe heat and severe rains—producing droughts and floods. These in turn cause food and water shortages, and energy challenges. When water is scarce, hydropower drops; during intense rains, we can’t optimally use solar. Thus climate change directly affects the economy, and developing countries bear the brunt despite contributing least. Sri Lanka, like many developing nations, is under pressure. Yet we cannot avoid responsibility—we must act collectively. Hence the creation of the Climate Vulnerable Forum in 2009 in the Maldives, where 74 countries including Sri Lanka coordinate responses.

¶ 03 Sri Lanka is bound by commitments from 2026 to 2035 to reduce emissions of CO2 and other gases by 11,675,800 metric tons. That is a major obligation and challenge. Today the Minister of Environment and the Ministry’s staff are implementing the Integrated Economic Policy and Transformation framework, including climate planning—the Climate Prosperity Plan. As an environmental practitioner, I am glad to see renewed engagement after years of inactivity. Environmental policy is not partisan. All citizens and parties can align with the Ministry’s international programs to meet this global challenge. I consider this motion a timely opportunity to unite all sides to achieve that goal.

¶ 04 Thank you.