Govt. targets private investment to drive climate finance strategy

Saturday, 25 October 2025 01:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma yesterday said Sri Lanka will move to mobilise private and international capital to implement its new National Climate Finance Strategy 2025–2030, signalling the Government’s intent to link financial markets with climate priorities.

He said the Government cannot rely on public resources alone to fund mitigation and adaptation needs, and will develop market instruments and frameworks to attract investors and institutions into climate-related projects.

“As a Government with limited resources at our disposal, we will not be able to combat this alone,” he said. “That is why it is important to have a plan to attract other partners for funding and to invite the private sector to take part in this journey.”

Dr. Suriyapperuma said Sri Lanka will create climate finance products and strengthen governance structures to ensure transparency and credibility.

“With the enthusiasm in the capital markets today, we can use these platforms to show that we are ready, that products are available, and that a governance framework will be in place to manage them,” he said.

He emphasised that the strategy would prioritise partnerships with development agencies and international investors, while also encouraging innovation from local businesses.

“Our engagement is to ensure our needs are met with innovations outside, thinking outside the box to attract funding and create the solutions we need,” he said.

Noting Sri Lanka’s high exposure to climate risks in sectors such as tourism, agriculture and the marine economy, Dr. Suriyapperuma said the Government aims to adopt a proactive approach to resilience-building rather than reactive measures.

“The stakes are higher unless we act now,” he said, adding that the strategy marks a coordinated effort to align fiscal planning with sustainability and investment opportunities.