National vision needed to integrate climate risk across all sectors, says climate finance expert
While Sri Lanka is facing the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025 on vulnerable communities and that climate action must prioritise people, cultures and dignity, the country must develop a national vision integrating climate risk across all sectors.
Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), Deputy Executive Director, Mathilde Laurans made these remarks during a high-level forum on ‘Climate Finance and Climate-related extreme events in Sri Lanka’ organised by SLYCAN Trust at the Courtyard by Marriott in Colombo, last Tuesday.
The forum brought together senior government representatives, international climate finance institutions, UN-linked mechanisms, development partners, private sector actors, and technical experts to examine how Sri Lanka can strengthen access to climate finance for response, recovery and long-term resilience.
Ms. Laurans elaborated on the Barbados Implementation Modalities, the initial operational rules for the global FRLD. “Countries like Sri Lanka can now request support through this fund. Support and local ownership; country-led sustainable solutions are tailored to national priorities. Innovation and learning: The fund encourages testing new approaches, piloting diverse projects like wind grants, community governance, social protection, and public-private partnerships. Simplification and efficiency: Streamlined processes to reduce bureaucratic barriers, with resources available on the website and designated focal points.”
“The fund is based on global solidarity and stakeholder collaboration. The work focuses on delivering tangible support to vulnerable countries facing climate impacts. Action is now happening, not just talking,” noted Ms. Laurans while encouraging countries to nominate focal points and engage actively.
Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka, Climate Change Secretariat, Additional Director, Chamani Kumarasinghe in her opening remarks highlighted, “Sri Lanka faced devastating impacts from Cyclone Ditwah, causing widespread damage across all sectors, including housing, infrastructure, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Besides economic loss, the country experienced significant non-economic impacts such as displacement, psychological effects, and cultural damage. The government recognises the urgency of addressing both tangible losses and the less visible, but deeply felt, community impacts.”
Sri Lanka actively engages in climate adaptation, with plans that prioritise loss and damage. Preparedness efforts include assessments, data collection, and application for international funds to support recovery and resilience. Immediate needs focus on small-scale, rapid recovery, especially for vulnerable groups like farmers, women, and small enterprises, noted Ms. Kumarasinghe.
Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!