It is a timely necessity to formulate a plan capable of effectively responding to even the most severe weather and climate-related disasters that could affect the country, according to leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa.

He made these remarks while participating in the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change yesterday (26).

The Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, co-chaired by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Professor L. M. Abeywickrama was held yesterday with the aim of taking effective measures to address climate emergencies.

A number of experts, including Professor Rathnasiri Premathilaka, UN representative Wagisha Perera, Robert Oliver, Dr. Buddhika Hapuarachchi, Uvinson Gnanatheepan, Dr. Weerakon and Nalin Munasinghe, also participated in the forum.

Speaking at the event, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said:

“As a country, we believe that we must be more vigilant, attentive and deliberate in preparing for the impacts that could arise from El Niño and La Niña conditions. Under these El Niño and La Niña conditions, weather and climate patterns can change suddenly, with drought affecting one area while heavy rainfall occurs in another area at the same time.”