International support for developing countries must be increased: Minister Dammika

27-Aug-2026

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Sri Lanka has called for increased international support for developing countries to strengthen preparedness to deal with drought before the situation develops into a crisis.

Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi made the remarks while participating in a high-level ministerial discussion on water and drought resilience at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification conference held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

Speaking further, he said the risk of drought was increasing due to climate change and that it was essential to be prepared in advance rather than taking action only after a severe drought had occurred.

Developing countries must therefore have access to climate-related information, early warning systems, technology, capacity-building programmes and adequate financial resources, he said.

Sri Lanka remains committed to strengthening measures to prevent land degradation, promote sustainable land use and address drought with community participation.

He said Sri Lanka was adopting an integrated approach to addressing issues relating to land, water, climate and biodiversity through initiatives including the restoration of traditional tank-based villages, the ‘Vanaspati’ national forest conservation programme and wetland conservation.

Sri Lanka is prepared to work with the United Nations and the international community to strengthen land restoration, water conservation and drought-resilience measures, he added.