President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the government’s commitment to crafting economic policies that not only promote export-oriented competitiveness but also transition towards a green economy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Speaking at the Sri Lanka Climate Summit, he emphasized the urgency of enacting unified legislation to address environmental protection and climate change, highlighting ongoing efforts to establish a dedicated Climate Change Centre and model legislation after the UK’s Climate Act.
Acknowledging recent extreme climate conditions as indicative of future impacts, the President stressed the importance of prompt climate mitigation measures. The summit, organized by the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the climate crisis and discuss policy reforms for a low-emission, climate-resilient economy. President Wickremesinghe announced plans for an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the nation’s role in addressing climate change within the Indian Ocean and tropical belt.
Addressing economic transformation, the President outlined legislative efforts to focus on export-oriented competitiveness, including a bill aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. He highlighted plans for a new law addressing both environment and climate change, modeled after the UK’s legislation, to strengthen environmental governance. Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of green financing and commercial aspects of a green economy, highlighting Sri Lanka’s potential for renewable energy and initiatives for energy connectivity with India. dignitaries, including Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala and Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, attended the summit, reflecting international collaboration and commitment to climate action.