Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has emphasized the need to expand discussions on climate and weather change and environmental conservation beyond the capital and raise awareness at the village level.
He said the public should be made aware of environmental problems and challenges, adding that community-based, community-centered and community-led environmental conservation is a highly successful approach.
He further stated that human activities are important in addressing climate and weather changes and the challenges created by them, and that leadership should be provided in this regard. Sri Lanka Latest News
Accordingly, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said discussions conducted by the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change should not be limited to capital-centered discussions in Parliament, but should be expanded to rural and urban areas. He said awareness should be raised throughout the villages and a grassroots-level programme should also be implemented.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made these remarks while addressing a special seminar organized by the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change at the Opposition Leader’s Office today to discuss El Niño–La Niña weather conditions with a group of foreign experts.
Professor L. M. Abeywickrama, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change in Parliament, also attended the event alongside Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Professor Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz, an eminent professor in this field, also participated in the event.
The Opposition Leader further stated that taking these discussions and awareness programmes beyond the capital and into villages would provide the general public with an opportunity to participate in the formulation of policies related to environmental conservation, thereby further strengthening participatory democracy.
He also said the El Niño–La Niña situation has created serious confusion, and that many aspects need to be understood regarding how it affects Sri Lanka, the ecosystem, biodiversity, plants and vegetation, as well as animal and human resources.
The Opposition Leader said they were pleased to hold an expert discussion focusing on minimizing human–wild elephant conflict and tiger conservation.
