The National commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, themed “Let us take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change”, was held today at Temple Trees under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Government’s environmental policy, guided by a vision of a sustainable environment that ensures the survival and well‑being of all living beings, prioritises balancing socio‑economic development with environmental protection to foster a healthy society and ecosystem.
In line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Sri Lanka is actively contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of the programme, a Climate Week was declared from May 30 to June 5, featuring a series of environmental activities nationwide with participation from the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, public institutions, private sector organisations, and civil society.
In conjunction with the commemoration, five forests, Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Mulagala, Konkatiyawa, and Kallanchiya, were declared reserved forests by the Department of Forest Conservation.
Other key measures included the introduction of enhanced National Green Reporting Guidelines, declaration of the Magama Sand Dunes as a sensitive area, clearance of the Elephant Pass area by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and designation of the Kuda Bubula Spring and Kapurella Hot Water Wetland as protected areas.
The event also saw the launch of the 2026 issue of the environmental magazine Soba, the Soba Ketha publication, and a resource book on plastic waste management. A certificate confirming the commemoration as a carbon‑neutral programme was formally presented to the President.
President Dissanayake also awarded prizes and certificates to winners of the art competition organised by the Climate Change Division and the eco‑friendly innovations competition conducted by the Central Environmental Authority. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph with environmental researchers. (Newswire)
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