Climate change to be Sri Lanka’s most serious issue in future: Ruwan

President’s Senior Advisor on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday noted that climate change has been identified as country’s most significant future challenge.

He claimed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe started a conversation on climate change because he had anticipated such circumstances well in advance. 

In a special statement regarding the dangerous air pollution and the subsequent decline in air quality across the nation over the past two days Wijewardene referred to the Climate Change Prosperity Plan initiated by President Wickremesinghe, claiming that the measure identified climate issues that would affect the country.

“Air pollution affects the health of the country’s people as well as agriculture. Children and the elderly are especially affected. Therefore, school holidays were declared to prevent schoolchildren from its effects. It is also reported that there is some reduction in office attendance as well. All these have a direct impact on the country’s economy,” he said.

Wijewardene also recalled that said President Wickremesinghe’s plans for a green economy were discussed at the United Nations COP 27 Conference on climate change. 

“I think many people who laughed when the President spoke about this back then, have understood the reality here. Therefore, I request everyone to support this program,” he added.

Wijewardene also revealed that plans are underway to establish a university dedicated to climate change in Sri Lanka.