Scarce climate assistance exposes Sri Lankan communities to risks

Sri Lanka, an island nation known for its lush greenery and tropical climate, is grappling with a series of climate-related issues that are impacting its people and infrastructure.

A 2020 study revealed that Colombo's temperature has risen significantly due to increased urbanisation, loss of green cover, and heat-absorbing infrastructure. This has created an urban heat island effect, with densely built-up areas in the city experiencing temperatures significantly higher than surrounding rural areas, compounding the effects of extreme heat waves.

The rise in temperature is particularly affecting the livelihoods of street vendors and construction workers, reducing their work hours and productivity, and earning capacity. Melani Gunathilaka, a climate advocate, highlighted this concern, emphasising the urgent need for action.

In the northern region of Jaffna, once-thriving agricultural lands are disappearing due to saltwater intrusion and erosion. Karthiga, a homestay owner in Jaffna's sacred Nallur city, spends a lot of money to buy drinking water due to the crisis caused by these issues.

Current mediation projects in Jaffna focus on combating erosion and saltwater intrusion through community-based mangrove restoration, construction of protective embankments, and sustainable water management systems. Approximately 1.5 million USD has been allocated over the past two years for these projects.

However, the inability to secure sufficient funds makes long-term mitigation difficult in Jaffna. T.N. Sooriyarajah, the deputy director at Jaffna district's disaster management unit, echoed this sentiment, stating that financial constraints limit the implementation of proposed disaster mitigation projects.

In Matale, when it rains, landslides occur, damaging infrastructure and silting up irrigation channels. During drought, entire villages go without proper irrigation. These issues are putting pressure on the region's agricultural sector.

Leel Randeni, who leads Sri Lanka's Climate Change Secretariat, acknowledges that funding difficulties and governance gaps need to be addressed as a matter of priority. Randeni adds that Sri Lanka's nationally determined contributions have faced delays in submission but plans to submit the information by June ahead of the subsidiary bodies session in Bonn, Germany.

Sugathapala, a mechanical engineer and climate expert, states that Sri Lanka is constrained from tapping into available climate finance for adaptation due to inadequate data systems, institutional weaknesses, and limited capacity to design and implement viable projects.

Moreover, gaps between central, provincial, and local governments hinder effective multilevel engagement and governance. Sugathapala also pointed out that many initiatives have limited public participation, and some of that work remains at the pilot stages.

In an effort to combat these issues, architect Nadeeka Jayaweera published a study in 2024 advocating for the integration of green infrastructure, such as tree-shaded parking spaces, to reduce surface temperatures. This approach, as shown by Jayaweera's study, could provide an effective cooling impact.

However, the challenges faced by Sri Lanka extend beyond mechanisms and operational issues. Randeni says the problem also includes the absence of officials who have taken extended leave and not returned to Sri Lanka.

Edison Marynathan, an environmentalist from Vidattaltivu in the northern district of Mannar, stated that coastal erosion is threatening critical infrastructure, including the bridge connecting Mannar to the mainland. In Maradangani division, one of the worst-hit areas in Jaffna, the only mitigation effort authorities can undertake is to place sandbags due to a severe shortage of funds.

In Matale, a bridge collapsed during a landslide in the Wilgamuwa area, completely cutting off a farming community from markets. Chaminda Amaraweera, deputy director, Matale Disaster Management Unit, highlighted this issue, underscoring the urgency for action.

As Sri Lanka navigates these challenges, it becomes clear that a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is necessary to address the country's climate issues and ensure a sustainable future for its people.