Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Monday, 27 October 2025 02:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Department of External Resources Director General Samantha Bandara, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Azusa Kubota, Central Bank Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe and British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick
The ‘National Climate Finance Strategy of Sri Lanka 2025 – 2030’ was launched last week as a comprehensive roadmap to leverage and channel climate investments effectively, supporting Sri Lanka’s transition to a carbon net zero pathway.
The initiative is led by the Finance Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) through the Climate Finance Network project - funded by the Government of the United Kingdom.
The launch coincided with the International Day of Climate Action and the Strategy underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to accelerating climate resilience and sustainable development through strategic financial planning.
As the global climate crisis intensifies, countries like Sri Lanka are grappling with the dual challenge of managing climate risks while financing a just transition. With climate-related damages exceeding Rs. 50 billion annually, financing climate action is central to Sri Lanka’s development agenda.
Speaking at the launch of the Strategy, Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said: “the National Climate Finance Strategy is a critical enabler for Sri Lanka’s climate ambitions. It provides the financial architecture needed to operationalise climate policies and plans, ensuring that we can build resilience, reduce emissions and protect vulnerable communities.”
UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota said: “Financing climate action is not just about managing risks - it’s about unlocking opportunities. This Strategy will help Sri Lanka attract smart investments, foster innovation, and build a climate-resilient economy that benefits all. UNDP remains committed to supporting the operationalisation of the Strategy by working on one of the proposed solutions – Green Revolving Fund - while ensuring that its priorities translate into tangible action across sectors.”
British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick said: “Sri Lanka’s Climate Finance Strategy creates a strong foundation for international collaboration. When countries clearly articulate their climate goals it opens doors not only to climate finance but also to responsible investment. The UK is proud to support Sri Lanka in its journey toward a resilient, low-carbon future.”
This milestone strengthens Sri Lanka’s capacity to access international finance and align national planning with climate priorities. The Strategy identifies twelve key financial instruments – including disaster risk insurance, green bonds, public-private partnerships for climate action, natural capital accounting, entrance fees green revolving fund, carbon markets and environmental, social and governance (ESG) swaps - to leverage resources and drive climate action across sectors.
With its first review scheduled for 2027, the Strategy marks a decisive step toward aligning Sri Lanka’s development agenda with global climate goals. As the global community prepares for COP30, Sri Lanka’s National Climate Finance Strategy presents an opportunity for partners and stakeholders to support the country’s climate commitments to mobilise resources, strengthen implementation, and advance progress toward the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Link to the National Climate Finance Strategy of Sri Lanka (2025 – 2030):
https://www.treasury.gov.lk/api/file/ef2dff2b-8a19-4bc8-9936-10c3e17a9264
