GGGI Deputy Director General Drives Key Climate Initiatives to Support Sri Lanka’s Green Growth Agenda
February 20, 2025
Category
Colombo, Sri Lanka – February 20, 2025 – GGGI Deputy Director General Ms. Helena McLeod, accompanied by GGGI Sri Lanka Country Representative Dr. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu, met with Sri Lanka’s Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, to discuss advancing green growth initiatives and strengthening climate collaboration between GGGI and the Government of Sri Lanka. Building on their previous discussions, the high-level engagement focused on key updates and follow-ups in climate finance, sustainable public transport, and carbon market development.
The meeting reinforced GGGI’s commitment to supporting the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka Flagship Initiative. Ms. McLeod reaffirmed GGGI’s commitment in advancing environmental sustainability through technical support in sustainable finance, green investment, e-mobility, mangrove conservation, and agroforestry. GGGI also continues to support Sri Lanka’s climate resilience by contributing to the ongoing update of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the development of Provincial Adaptation Plans (PAPs) for all nine provinces, that was supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Developed through a highly consultative process, these plans integrate global best practices to strengthen local adaptation efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of rural livelihood development and strategic urban planning as priorities for fostering an inclusive and integrated society. She stressed the need to incorporate grassroots initiatives into national development strategies, ensuring local communities directly benefit from green growth. Highlighting the critical role of sustainable finance in Sri Lanka’s green transition, she expressed interest in mechanisms to mobilize investments for climate-resilient projects.
In response, Deputy Director General Ms. McLeod, stated: “GGGI is working closely with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment to enhance climate finance readiness and attract private investments for climate-resilient projects. Our goal is to unlock international climate finance and build a strong green finance ecosystem aligned with the country’s development priorities.’’ Discussions also covered key proposals from the 2025 national budget speech, with the government underscoring the urgent need to mobilize sustainable finance for climate action. The government’s strong push for modernizing public transport and enhancing flood-resilient urban planning emerged as key priorities.
“GGGI stands ready to support Sri Lanka’s e-mobility and sustainable public transport agenda, an area where GGGI Sri Lanka has been actively collaborating with the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation,” Ms McLeod said. “We will continue to collectively explore strategies to accelerate electric mobility adoption, including the integration of e-buses and charging infrastructure, aligning with Sri Lanka’s low-carbon transport strategy and urban sustainability goals,” Ms. McLeod added.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya welcomed the progress made and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to green growth and climate resilience through the new national budget. She emphasized the importance of equitable development and the urgent need to serve underserved regions and communities by implementing climate-smart policies and expanding investment opportunities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expanding cooperation on green growth, strengthening climate resilience, and facilitating sustainable transport solutions.
For more information about GGGI’s work in Sri Lanka, visit https://gggi.org.