Govt. allocates 600 acres for proposed International Climate Change University

During the first International Climate Change Forum held at Temple Trees, on Thursday (02) President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the government had allocated a 600-acre area overlooking the Kotmale reservoir in the central highlands for the establishment of the International Climate Change University (ICCU).

President Wickremesinghe emphasised that the ICCU would serve as a collaborative platform benefiting neighbouring countries. He said discussions were being held with the Maldives government to secure an island for the creation of a specialised island centre under the ICCU’s umbrella.

Sri Lanka’s ambitious climate goals include presenting a comprehensive climate prosperity plan at COP 28, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, he said, adding that the implementation of this plan is estimated to require an investment of over 100 billion U.S. dollars, over two decades.

President Wickremesinghe emphasised that Sri Lanka is committed to raising a significant portion of these funds through commercial means.

President Wickremesinghe pointed out that current climate finance discussions primarily involve the northern hemisphere, multilateral organisations, and major players like China and India.

However, he stressed the importance of the global south, including Sri Lanka, developing expertise in climate finance, debt relief, and related economic matters.