Leading expert in climate change and meteorology, Dr. Ranjith Punyawardena, delivered a comprehensive awareness session on the impending El Niño phenomenon, during a special discussion held at the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, on Wednesday (10).
Outlining the potential risks of the El Niño phenomenon and the precautionary measures needed to mitigate its impact, his presentation emphasized the importance of preparedness in safeguarding communities and industries against climate‑related challenges.
The session focused on how El Niño could affect Sri Lanka’s plantation industry and the plantation community.
Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyarathna said that primary focus was directed toward safeguarding the livelihoods of the plantation community while maintaining national production targets, and specifically minimizing the potential impacts on vulnerable families.
He further said extensive discussions were also held on soil and water conservation, promoting micro-irrigation technology, providing timely weather updates to farmers, capacity building of field officers, and implementing modern technological solutions.
“We remain fully committed to driving our country’s plantation industry forward resiliently, even amidst climatic challenges, and taking all necessary steps for the well-being of the plantation community,” he said in a statement. (Newswire)
