August 13, Colombo (LNW): Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Advisor on National Security, Sagala Ratnayaka, has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development. Speaking at the recent launch of the “Sri Lanka 30×30 – Conservation and Prosperity: for Nature and People” initiative at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, Ratnayaka emphasized the nation’s dedication to ensuring a healthy planet for future generations through sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Ratnayaka highlighted the success of Sri Lanka’s internationally acclaimed mangrove restoration program and the government’s ongoing efforts to protect sensitive ecosystems. He stressed that the “Sri Lanka 30×30” program demonstrates the country’s commitment to supporting local communities while contributing to global conservation efforts. He also underscored the importance of cooperation and partnerships in protecting Sri Lanka’s unique ecosystems and achieving the ambitious goals of the initiative.
The “Sri Lanka 30×30” initiative, overseen by Sagala Ratnayaka and coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat Climate Change Office, is considered a top national priority. Key government departments, including the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Forest Department, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, were instrumental in designing the projects that balance conservation with sustainable development.
The initiative aims to conserve Sri Lanka’s unique biodiversity while promoting sustainable economic prosperity. It represents a significant step towards the country’s commitment to sustainable development and green economic revival, with a projected investment of over USD 1.5 billion between 2025 and 2030.
The launch event brought together over 95 government entities, local and international non-governmental organizations, and corporate representatives, all unified in their support for the ambitious program. The “Sri Lanka 30×30” initiative aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which Sri Lanka adopted alongside 195 other countries in 2022 at the COP15 biodiversity conference. The GBF outlines 23 targets focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
As part of the “Sri Lanka 30×30” initiative, the government has identified nine national priority conservation programs. These include improving the protection and connectivity of wet zone ecosystems, halting forest loss in the dry zone, restoring degraded forest and mangrove habitats, and sustainably developing protected area tourism to fund conservation efforts. Other key goals include enhancing human-elephant coexistence, improving the health and productivity of river systems, strengthening marine ecosystem conservation, and promoting sustainable fishery management practices.
Sri Lanka’s rich natural capital presents immense potential for a green economic revival. By conserving its biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource management, the country aims to build a resilient economy that will benefit future generations.
