Sri Lanka Bolsters Climate Resilience with GGGI and SLRCS at National Adaptation Plan Workshop

Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in its climate resilience journey at the Final Technical Validation Workshop Series for its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2025-2034, held recently. Organized under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded NAP Readiness Support Project, the event was led by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS). This workshop united policymakers, climate experts, and stakeholders to validate Sectoral Adaptation Action Plans, addressing climate threats like floods, droughts, and coastal erosion.

Themed “Strengthening the Process and Capacity of NAP Implementation,” the workshop highlighted GGGI’s expertise in crafting sustainable adaptation strategies. Mr. Leel Randeni, Director (Climate Change), opened with a call for action, while Dr. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu, GGGI Country Representative, outlined the NAP’s alignment with the UNFCCC framework, and NDC requirement of the Paris Agreement. SLRCS played a key role in coordinating logistics, mobilizing stakeholders, and engaging local communities, working in close partnership with local authorities and NGOs to ensure collective impact.

Key sessions included:

• Sectoral Overviews: GGGI-guided consultants presented adaptation priorities for agriculture, Livestock’s water resources, Health, Human Settlements & Infrastructures, Eco System & Bio Diversity, Transport, Energy, Tourism, Export Agriculture, Fisheries, Industry and coastal sectors, fostering collaborative dialogue.

• Breakout Groups: Facilitated by Mr. Sumudu Silva, GGGI Institutional Officer, and SLRCS volunteers, participants reviewed vulnerabilities, budgets, and timelines, ensuring equitable plans. SLRCS’s facilitation bridged grassroots and policy perspectives.

• Prioritization Exercise: Mr. Nick Taylor, GGGI Adaptation Lead, led menti-driven discussions to identify synergies, with SLRCS ensuring community voices shaped outcomes.

The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process commenced with submissions from Line Ministries in early July 2025. Final revisions are expected to be completed by the end of August, with submission to the National Designated Authority scheduled for mid-September.

GGGI’s strategic guidance and SLRCS coordination have contributed to strengthening the NAP implementation framework in Sri Lanka. These outcomes will lend to COP30, as well as improve access to climate finance.
With support from GGGI and coordination from SLRCS, this workshop has supported Sri Lanka’s pathway to a resilient future.