Special attention should be directed towards food security, water management, and energy management in preparation for anticipated impacts of El Niño, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting held today (16) at the Colombo District Secretariat.

During the meeting, attention was focused on the progress of development programmes planned for 2026, including the Decentralized Budget Programme, Rural Roads Programme, Disaster Risk Reduction Projects, the Prajashakthi Programme, and projects implemented under line ministries, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

While reviewing projects being implemented under the Ministry of Sports, a decision was taken at the meeting to establish a Sports Sub-Committee for the Colombo District and Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that future activities would be planned through this sub-committee.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also emphasized the need to pay special attention to the development of sports activities in rural schools.

Highlighting the importance of preparing for the direct impacts of the anticipated El Niño weather conditions in Sri Lanka and the global challenges following the situation, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to focus on food security, water management, and energy management. The Prime Minister further noted the importance of conducting awareness programmes on energy conservation and the efficient use.

Commenting on the programme to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities implemented under the Prajashakthi Programme, the Prime Minister stated that special attention should also be given to strengthening services such as day-care centres and vocational training programmes for persons with disabilities, and community-based activities for older persons.

The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara, public representatives of the Colombo District, government officials, and other invitees.