On May 26, 2025, a pivotal National-Level Workshop under the GEF-8 Climate Smart Sustainable Cities Project, Project Preparation Grant (PPG) Phase was successfully held at Link Hall, Waters Edge, Battaramulla. This workshop served as a critical step in the development of Sri Lanka’s climate-resilient urban future, bringing together 71 stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations.
The primary objective of the workshop was to validate the project’s strategic direction and gather essential input for the development of the Full-Scale Project (FSP) Proposal. The project is aligned with Sri Lanka’s vision of preserving the Greater Colombo Area as a Wetland City while advancing inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient urban development.
Sri Lanka is among the most climate-vulnerable nations globally, with urban areas, particularly the Western Regional Megapolis, facing growing threats due to rapid urbanization, wetland degradation, and escalating greenhouse gas emissions. The Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council (SJK MC) has been selected as the pilot site for this initiative, demonstrating integrated urban planning solutions that prioritize wetland conservation, low-carbon mobility, and climate-smart infrastructure.
Key issues addressed during the workshop included
The alarming 1.2% annual loss of wetlands in the Colombo region,
High GHG emissions from transport (48%) contributing to air pollution,
Underutilized public transportation systems,
Limited institutional capacity for integrated urban planning.
To tackle these pressing challenges, the GEF-8 project adopts a three-pronged strategy:
Integrated urban planning and policy development
Investments in sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure
Capacity building and knowledge sharing
The workshop was convened by the Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Environment, with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and national coordination by Janathakshan GTE Ltd. Participants engaged in productive dialogue to align the project’s objectives with national priorities and international climate commitments, including the Metro Colombo Wetland Management Strategy.
The insights and feedback gathered during the workshop will directly inform the finalization of the Full-Scale Project Proposal, which aims to not only strengthen Sri Lanka’s climate resilience in the Greater Colombo Area but also to establish a scalable model for sustainable urban development across the country.
As Sri Lanka prepares to meet the challenges of climate change head-on, this initiative underscores the importance of collaborative action, innovative planning, and community-centered solutions in shaping greener, more livable cities for future generations.
