Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stated that, with the probability of El Niño conditions reaching 100%, the government, the opposition and the entire population of 22 million must unite to effectively address the challenges posed by the extreme weather phenomenon.

Addressing the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, the Opposition Leader stressed the need to initiate an inclusive and transparent national dialogue, free from partisan politics, to address the potential risks associated with the prevailing situation.

He added that the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, which is co-chaired by himself and Professor L. M. Abeywickrama, would launch programmes aimed at addressing these challenges.

Premadasa emphasised that the protection of human resources, as well as fauna, flora, nature and biodiversity—which have no voting rights—must be treated as a key national security priority. He noted that such measures are essential for the survival and well-being of both present and future generations.

While commending the work carried out by the country’s disaster management authorities, the Opposition Leader stressed the need to establish a proactive disaster management and response system, rather than relying primarily on measures taken after a disaster occurs.

Accordingly, he called for the immediate development of evacuation and early preparedness programmes that can be activated as soon as a global risk warning is issued.

He further stressed the importance of advance planning to address the potential impacts of El Niño and La Niña on drinking water, irrigation, food security, energy security and the environment.

Premadasa also stated that the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change would meet twice a month to ensure that environment-related issues receive greater priority on the national agenda.