Friday Sep 20, 2024
Friday Sep 20, 2024
Tuesday, 26 September 2023 00:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijew-ardene yesterday said President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent diplomatic visit to the US stands to reap substantial economic benefits and climate goals. Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Media Centre yesterday, he said the official tour has strengthened trust in Sri Lanka on the global stage through productive discussions with world leaders.
“Despite a foray of ignited wave of opinions from the Opposition about President Wickremesinghe’s visit, it held paramount importance for the country,” he stressed.
Wijewardene underscored the strengthened ties between the US and Sri Lanka, as well as with other influential global powers, as a direct outcome of the visit.
“The enduring friendship between the US and Sri Lanka, along with our positive engagements with other world leaders, has been further fortified during this visit,” he said.
He went on to emphasise the visit’s main significance in the context of this year’s United Nations General Assembly session in New York, which extensively delved into ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals.’
President Wickremesinghe held substantive discussions with numerous heads of state, with expectations riding high for favourable outcomes.
“During a meeting with the World Bank Chairman Ajay Banga on the inaugural day of the visit, President Wickremesinghe received commendation for the Government’s economic policies,” he added.
He also said plans for forthcoming assistance in climate change initiatives and development programs were unveiled. Banga expressed his intent to visit Sri Lanka later this year.
Wijewardene said during the conversations with the President of Korea, an agreement was reached to provide more employment opportunities for a considerable number of Sri Lankan youth, along with extended support for development endeavours.
He recalled that President Wickremesinghe also took part in the 3rd Annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue, emphasising the paramount importance of regional cooperation in preserving the identities of island States.
Wijewardene also said the visit has solidified Sri Lanka’s relations with the US, particularly concerning climate change and sustainable development.
He noted that President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance for developed nations to assume a pivotal role in tackling climate change and aiding developing countries, including Sri Lanka, in achieving their sustainable development aspirations.
The President also touched upon pressing global concerns such as inflation, food, and energy security. Sri Lanka has set ambitious targets, aiming to fulfil 70% of its electricity needs through renewable energy sources by 2030. Comprehensive plans are in place to augment forest protection by 32% and curtail greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5%, with the ultimate objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” he added.
