Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has called for the Government, the Opposition and the entire population to work together to address the potential challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, amid forecasts that the probability of El Niño conditions could reach 100%.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, Premadasa urged the immediate launch of an inclusive and transparent national dialogue on the issue, free from partisan political divisions.
He said the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, co-chaired by himself and Professor L.M. Abeywickrama, would introduce programmes aimed at responding to the possible risks.
Premadasa emphasized that protecting human resources, wildlife, flora, nature and biodiversity should be treated as a national security priority, noting that these resources are essential for the survival and well-being of present and future generations.
While commending the work of disaster management authorities, he stressed the need to establish a proactive disaster preparedness and response system rather than relying mainly on action taken after disasters occur.
He called for the immediate preparation of evacuation plans and early-warning response programmes that could be activated as soon as global risk alerts are issued.
The Opposition Leader also highlighted the importance of advance planning to address the possible effects of El Niño and La Niña on drinking water, irrigation, food security, energy security and the environment.
He further announced that the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change would meet twice a month to ensure that environmental issues receive greater attention on the national agenda.
