On 21st March, Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, witnessed two significant events that were historic occasions: the launch of the Climate Parliament chapter in the country within the parliament, and in the city. These events saw participation from the President’s and Speaker’s offices, Ministers, senior MPs, government officials, and civil society representatives.
The launch of Climate Parliament Sri Lanka on March 21, 2024
At noon on 21st March, Climate Parliament Sri Lanka, under the leadership of its Chairman MP Eran Wickramaratne and other Steering Committee members MPs Mohomad Musammil, Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan, Anura Priyadhaarshana Yapa, and Madura Vithanage, organized a Parliamentary launch of Climate Parliament. The launch followed with a rich discussion focused on ‘Climate Change & Energy Challenges in Sri Lanka: Towards Regional Cooperation in South Asia’. The meeting within the Parliament was addressed by Hon Ajith Rajapakse, Deputy Speaker, Dr. Mukul Sharma, Asia Director, Climate Parliament, Rakesh Goyal, Chief of Party, South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), Nahim Razzaq, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh and Convener, Climate Parliament-Bangladesh, Ruwan Wijewardene, Senior Advisor to President on Climate Change, Rajiv Ratna Panda, Power Market Specialist, SAREP, Prof. Buddhi Marambe, University of Peradeniya, Sajith Premadasa, Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Sumedha Basu, Policy Advisor, Climate Parliament and Ravindranath Dabare, Chairman, Centre of Environmental Justice, Sri Lanka.
It is noteworthy that on 9th January 2024, Measures to establish two Parliamentary Caucuses, the Honourable speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament notified Climate Parliament Sri Lanka as a formal caucus within the Parliament, upon the formal request submitted by 22 MPs, led by senior MP Eran Wickramaratne. This recognition is unprecedented and unique for Climate Parliament in any Asian country. The Centre for Environmental Justice Sri Lanka will be the secretariat of Climate Parliament-Sri Lanka.
