Researchers support Environment Ministry’s new strategic direction

A special discussion was successfully held in Colombo and engage environmental researchers in establishing a scientific foundation for the national policy-making and environmental conservation processes of the Environment Ministry.

Presided over by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi, and attended by Ministerial Advisor Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam, the meeting focused extensively on the critical importance of a data-driven approach to overcoming the country’s environmental challenges.

During the session, an agreement was reached to integrate the technical expertise of leading scholars and researchers into the Ministry’s policy decisions, specifically to find sustainable solutions for climate change, biodiversity protection, and resource management. Through this new mechanism, the Government expects to implement a practical and scientifically sound programme to ensure the environmental sustainability of Sri Lanka.

The discussion was attended by a distinguished group of experts, including Professor Yasanjali Jayathilake, Professor Sunethra Thennakoon, Dr. Dinidu Dewapura, Dr. Samantha Gunasekara, Dr. Himesh Jayasinghe, Zoologist Suranjan Karunanayake, Zoologist Rohan Pethiyagoda, and Botanist Indika Peabotuwage.