COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, May 9, 2024–The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with several private sector and development partners, held its inaugural Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2024, from May 7th to May 9th. This landmark event, themed “Climate Action for Our Nation and the Planet,” aimed to forge a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to promote green growth and climate resilience across various economic sectors. The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was pleased to support this important event as a knowledge partner.
The President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the national importance of climate action and the government’s commitment to supporting and implementing sustainable practices. The President shared his vision for a green economy adding that “Sri Lanka will give priority to promoting a green economy. We might as well be the first in the region to do so. I hope, all of you will focus on seeing how we can succeed in becoming a green economy.”
Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute, was invited to speak at the high-level CEO forum segment of the event on mobilizing funding for green growth “The Global Green Growth Institute has helped mobilize over $10 Billion in green and climate finance to date,” he shared. “There is ample private capital available for good green projects – projects with solid feasibility studies, safeguards meeting standards, and solid financial models,” he added. Drawing on the impactful work by GGGI globally, including the creation of Columbia’s largest wind power farm, electrifying Mexico City’s entire Metrobús fleet, to supporting India’s 600MW floating solar program, GGGI has been successful at providing the requisite support to governments to embark on a greener future. GGGI in Sri Lanka will continue its support to the Government of Sri Lanka with initiatives to lead the country towards greener growth.
The summit featured an impressive lineup of local and international experts, thought leaders, and policymakers. Among the distinguished speakers are Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of the Steering Committee on Climate Action at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Dilmah Tea, Dr. David Rogers, Hydromet Advisor at the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), World Bank, who will introduce the intricacies of the climate crisis, Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment & Water, H.E. Julie Chung, United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Research Park.
Dr. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu, GGGI Country Representative Sri Lanka & Team Lead for the GCF NAP Readiness Project presented in a session on Climate Resilience and Adaptation – and highlighted GGGI Sri Lanka’s work under the National Adaptation Planning initiative including the need to engage with the private sector and bridge the gap between private sector adaptation initiatives and policy frameworks. , Dr. Senaratna Sellamuttu emphasized that “we need to look at the whole range of private sector and how we can bring them onboard as key stakeholders in, for example the National Adaptation Plans by working with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Environment”. Dr. Sellamuttu stated that “in order for Sri Lanka’s revised NAP (2025-2034) to be successfully implemented and climate resilience strengthened, it is critical that the private sector is included in the governance framework and are actively engaged throughout the process (planning, implementation, M&E and learning).”
This summit is set to become an annual landmark event, deepening dialogues, exploring solutions, and evaluating the implementation of Sri Lanka’s Climate Change Policy, updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation plan and the updated National Adaptation Plan (2025-2034) for Sri Lanka. It represents a critical platform for stakeholders from all sectors to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on effective strategies to combat climate change and enhance sustainability in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2024 will work with vital stakeholders, especially the private sector to engage in this critical conversation and contribute to the shaping of a sustainable future for the nation and the world.
GGGI continues to collaborate and engage with Government officials, the private sector, and environmental professionals and other CSOs, NGOs and academia to shape the climate sector in the country towards greener growth.
Photo Credits:
Feature Photo: The President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency President Ranil Wickremesinghe presenting his vision for a green economy.
Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute sharing insights regarding climate financing and GGGI’s impactful work.
Dr. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu, GGGI Country Representative Sri Lanka & Team Lead for the GCF NAP Readiness Project sharing insights during Session 03 on Climate Resilience and Adaption.