Weather and climate change have a direct impact on economic stability, food and water security, and authorities must treat these issues as essential components, giving them high priority attention as a duty to the people, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.
He made these remarks while addressing the Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change, where he serves as co chairman alongside Professor Abeywickrama.
He noted that since the problem also affected national security, a common agreement needed to be reached with various parties to move towards proactive management.
The Opposition Leader said the task was not an individual effort, noting that various parties, including climate scientists, academics and independent advisory groups, were involved in the forum, which operates free from party politics.
He added that challenges faced by farmers, fishermen and businessmen due to weather and climate change needed to be discussed further.
He said the forum focused primarily on moving towards an expert and scientific data driven responsive programme on environmental affairs and climate change, without party differences, and on creating a country that prepares before a disaster occurs.
Premadasa said various opinions had been expressed regarding the El Niño and La Niña situations, and although these had not significantly impacted the Yala season this time, discussions had taken place on how they could affect upcoming seasons. He noted that the forum also covered unfamiliar weather and climate conditions.
The forum was attended by Professor Sampath Seneviratne, Professor Buddhi Marambe, Professor Inoka Kudavidanege, Dr. Andrew Kittle, Rukshan Jayewardene, Anjali Watson, Dushyantha Silva, Dilum Alagiyawanna, Senaka Chandima Aberathna, Danumi Darshana De Soyza, Dr. Aparajitha Ariyadasa, Professor Roshanka Ranasinghe, Dr. Rohan Pallewatta, Dilanthi Nadika, G. D. Hemanthi Gunasekara, Ravidu Iresh and Chadini Ramanayake, along with many local and foreign academics and experts in the field.
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