President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the significance of tropical regions in the context of biodiversity and climate change challenges. According to reports from the President’s Media Division, he proposed the launch of a dedicated program to assist tropical countries in addressing future climate change challenges.
President Wickremesinghe underscored that tropical nations are home to the world’s most biodiverse regions, citing that 80% of the world’s endemic plants and 50% of coral reefs and mangroves are concentrated in these areas. He further mentioned Sri Lanka’s proactive efforts toward establishing an international university with a specific focus on climate change, capitalizing on the unique ecological context it possesses.
The President delivered these remarks during his address at the high-level conference, “Green Silk Road for Harmony with Nature,” which took place at the China International Conference Hall on October 18. This conference was held in conjunction with the 3rd “Belt and Road Initiative” International Forum. Notably, the conference was chaired by Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China. Distinguished figures, including the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and leaders from various participating countries, also shared their insights on the crucial subject of climate change and environmental harmony. President Wickremesinghe’s proposal underlines the growing global awareness of the need to protect and preserve the world’s biodiversity-rich tropical regions in the face of climate change challenges.
