PARLIAMENT

• It takes approximately 25 years to develop a paddy clone. Sri Lanka has developed two drought tolerant rice varieties - Prof. Buddhi Marambe, University of Peradeniya.

Senior advisor to the President on Climate change Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene stated that the Government is working towards making an impact through the Tropical Belt initiative, Climate Justice Forum, the International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka & Sri Lanka's Climate Prosperity Plan proposed by the Hon. President.

He stated the aforesaid while addressing the forum discussion facilitated by the Caucus on Climate Change in Parliament held recently (Mar. 21) Chaired by Hon. Eran Wickramaratne. The forum discussion was based on the topic “Climate Change & Energy Challenges in Sri Lanka: Towards Regional Cooperation in South Asia”.

The Tropical Belt Initiative focuses on harnessing commercial investments in vital natural resources within the tropical belt, such as forests, swamps, and mangroves whilst the Climate Justice Forum aims to expedite the provision of financial assistance for loss and damage due to climate impacts and effectively address the climate crisis. The International Climate Change University proposed at Climate Change Conference (COP27) held in Egypt in 2022 is a significant step towards fostering international collaboration, knowledge exchange and building a collective response to the urgent and complex challenges posed by climate change Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene further said. Furthermore, Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene stated that the Sri Lanka's Climate Prosperity Plan by the President focuses on strategies in unlocking the maximum domestic renewable energy potential and enhancing resilience through nature-based solutions and financial protection.

Prof. Buddhi Marambe, University of Peradeniya addressing the distinguished gathering disclosed that it takes approximately 25 years to develop a paddy clone and that Sri Lanka has developed two drought tolerant rice varieties. Furthermore, Prof. Marambe highlighted the need for technology in tackling climate change concerns and thus require international cooperation.

He also stated that in the year 2022, due to bad policy decisions there was a 34% drop in rice production in Sri Lanka by importing rice when the country did not have adequate foreign exchange.

Dr. Mukul Sharma, Asia Director and Dr. Sumedha Basu, Policy Advisor of the Climate Parliament, Mr. Rakesh Kumar Goyal, Chief of Party, South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), Hon. Nahim Razzaq, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh, Mr. Rajiv Ratna Panda, Power Market Specialist, South Asia Regional Energy Partnership, Mr. Ravindranath Dabare representing partner organizations addressed the forum and also shared key insighted pertaining to the topic in discussion.

The discussion culminated that correct policy decisions should be taken to make necessary changes in time to prevent global climate breakdown.

The Parliamentary Caucus organized this discussion forum for its second meeting held, focusing on discussing crucial issues related to climate change and renewable energy in the South Asia region, with a particular emphasis on Sri Lanka and the parliamentary actions surrounding these matters.

The Caucus Chair Hon. Eran Wickramaratne initiated the said discussion as climate change poses a serious threat to small islands like Sri Lanka, leading to unexpected droughts, floods, landslides, sea-level rise, and other environmental changes, giving rise to the urgent need of addressing these impacts and transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050 has been identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Hon. Ajith Rajapakse, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Minister of Power and Energy, Hon. Kanchana Wijesekera, Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development Hon. Ajith Mannapperuma and many Members of Parliament were present at the discussion forum held.