From prolonged droughts and unpredictable monsoons to increasingly common floods and heatwaves, Sri Lanka is facing intensifying risks from climate extremes. These events are disrupting agricultural productivity, threatening food and water security, and undermining rural livelihoods across the country. In response, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and its partners are accelerating climate action in Sri Lanka by combining global science and local expertise to co-develop innovative solutions that are aligned with national development priorities.
On April 24, 2025, IWMI officially launched CGIAR’s Climate Action Program in Sri Lanka with a workshop that brought together government agencies, research institutes, civil society and private sector partners. The program aims to support the country’s transition towards climate-resilient, low-emission development and a just future, strengthen food system resilience, manage water under future climate scenarios and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Chamani Kumarasinghe, Director of the Climate Change Secretariat at the Ministry of Environment, called the program “a milestone,” noting that its integrated, collaborative approach will help align national efforts and partnerships to advance shared climate goals.
Participants at the workshop underscored the urgency of moving from policy frameworks to tangible solutions. Shiranthi Ratnayake, Director General of the National Planning Department, emphasized that, “Frameworks and policies alone are not enough — we must equip stakeholders with the tools and data to make informed decisions.” She highlighted that the program aligns with Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), offering practical entry points for developing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies across agriculture, water and food systems.
CGIAR Climate Action Program sets priorities in Sri Lanka
With Sri Lanka’s shift towards digital agriculture, climate-smart governance and resilient infrastructure, the program will prioritize activities in climate vulnerable provinces such as North Central, Central and Uva, and in key districts like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Monaragala and Badulla. These regions, vital for rice, high-value crops, and livestock, offer a strong potential for piloting and scaling low-emission, climate smart solutions. The program will strengthen local capacities to manage current and emerging risks through digital climate advisories and anticipatory action.
Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), stressed the timeliness of the program. “Sri Lanka faces rising climate risks that threaten our water, food, homes and future,” he said. “This program brings us science, tools and partnerships to build resilience. Its focus on early warning systems, digital advisories, climate-smart agriculture and community-led adaptations is not just technical — it’s a lifeline for vulnerable families across the country.”
During expert panel and group discussions, stakeholders explored climate risk warning systems, locally led adaptation, water-resilient agriculture, and enabling policies, institutions and finance.
Ian Overton, Country Manager of IWMI in Sri Lanka, stressed that, “Resilience is built through sustained partnerships and collective action. Today’s discussions go beyond technical topics. They are foundational to shaping how we adapt and thrive in an increasingly uncertain world.”
The CGIAR Climate Action Program launched globally early this year alongside seven other new science programs, three accelerators and a Scaling for Impact program, and builds on the achievements of CGIAR’s concluded research initiatives. These efforts are funded by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and other partners. Japan has been supporting IWMI’s work in water management technologies for many years. During the Sri Lanka launch, Tanaka Sachi, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, reconfirmed MAFF’s belief that IWMI’s research and CGIAR’s climate actions will play a critical role in shaping a resilient, sustainable future.
With the new CGIAR Climate Action Program underway, Sri Lanka is positioned to become a flagship example of how cutting-edge climate science, when paired with local leadership and inclusive partnerships, can catalyze real-world solutions — and help secure a more resilient future for all.
