The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will hold the inaugural Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2024, themed “Code Red: Climate Risks and Opportunities for Sri Lankan Businesses,” from May 7-9 at the Shangri La Hotel.
As scientists warn of the potentially devastating consequences of accelerating climate change, the Summit will serve as a platform for a national dialogue on the impending risks of climate change, and the opportunities presented to Sri Lankan businesses.
The Chief Guest, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will address the Summit’s inauguration, setting the context for the deliberations and discussions that will follow.
Over three days, an impressive line-up of national and international leaders of the climate action charge will explore climate risks and opportunities, the facilitation required to mitigate risks and successfully leverage growth opportunities, and proactive policy measures to ensure Sri Lankan businesses are well-positioned to thrive in a world increasingly focused on decarbonisation.
The speakers include Dr. Arunabha Ghosh – CEO Council for Energy and Water, Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President IIT Madras Research Park, Dhruba Purkayastha – India Director, Climate Policy Initiative, Dr. Lalanath De Silva – Managing Director, Transparentem and Panel Member, Independent Complaints Mechanism of the International Climate Initiative (IKI-Germany), Ms. Azusa Kubota – UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, Ms. Kusum Athukorala – Regional Chair – Global Water Partnership South Asia, Dr. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu – Country Representative, Global Green Growth Institute, Rohan Pethiyagoda – Biodiversity Scientist, Thilan Wijesinghe – Chairman, TW Corp Ltd. and Sapphirus Lanka Ltd. and Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne – Naturalist and Conservationist, and a host of other industry specialists.
The Summit’s agenda encompasses a range of topics, from understanding climate science and the risks and opportunities to businesses, the global and local impact of the climate crisis, climate adaptation and resilience, decarbonisation and climate financing mechanisms. The event promises a comprehensive dialogue among stakeholders, consolidating key insights and takeaways into an implementable Climate Action Plan that is envisaged to drive Sri Lanka’s green and just economic transition.
