Environment Ministry to finalize NCCP

Disna Mudalige

The Environment Ministry is finalizing a National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) for Sri Lanka after obtaining public comments and observations to the draft which was made in collaboration with key stakeholders, a ministry spokesman told the Daily News yesterday.

The ministry welcomes suggestions and comments of interested parties and individuals for the draft until June 30.

The draft includes a set of guiding principles followed by broad policy statements under sections, such as, Vulnerability, Adaptation, Mitigation, Sustainable Consumption and Production, Knowledge Management and General Statements.

The spokesman noted that a united effort at all levels is necessary to transform this policy into meaningful action to achieve the expected outcomes. He said that the policy has been developed to address the adverse impacts of climate change efficiently and effectively.

“Sri Lanka has already started to experience the adverse impacts of climate change. Extreme weather, such as intense rainfall followed by flash floods and landslides and extended dry seasons, are now becoming common occurrences.

‘Therefore, urgent action is necessary to take adaptive measures to build resilience of the country to face these challenges’ he explained.

He also noted that the NCCP will also help the country to actively involve in global efforts to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.