Sri Lanka must prepare for worst-case weather scenarios: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for Sri Lanka to prepare for the worst possible weather scenarios as changing climate patterns increase the risk of droughts, heavy rainfall, floods and other disasters.

Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Parliament of Sri Lanka, Premadasa said uncertainty surrounding weather forecasts should not prevent authorities from preparing for severe outcomes. Parliament lists Premadasa and Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama as co-chairs of the caucus.

Premadasa said Sri Lanka should closely monitor El Niño, La Niña, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole, and assess their possible impact on water supplies, reservoirs, irrigation, power generation, agriculture and food security.

He also called for preparedness against droughts, floods and landslides, while paying attention to coastal and fishing communities, wildlife and biodiversity.

Premadasa said the government, civil society and other stakeholders should coordinate their response and argued that Sri Lanka’s existing disaster management system should be replaced or strengthened with a more integrated mechanism focused on preparedness and reducing damage.

He cited the disaster management approach adopted by India’s Odisha state as an example Sri Lanka could study.

Climate agencies are currently monitoring a strengthening El Niño. The U.S. Climate Prediction Center said earlier this month that El Niño was strengthening, while regional monitoring also indicates El Niño conditions are expected to persist into early 2027.

Premadasa has repeatedly raised El Niño preparedness in Parliament in recent weeks, including questions on measures being taken to mitigate its potential impact. (Newswire)

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