Government Establishes Committees to Mitigate El Niño Risks

The Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by the President to establish a Special Ministerial Sub-Committee and an Officers' Committee to address the anticipated impacts of the El Niño climatic phenomenon. These committees are tasked with implementing a national-level action plan to mitigate potential risks, including changes in rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, droughts, and floods. Their mandate involves preparing short-term, medium-term, and annual plans to manage potential water, electricity, and food crises, ensuring integrated operations across all state institutions, and raising public awareness to reduce disaster vulnerability. The Ministerial Sub-Committee includes Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi (Chairman), Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha, and Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratne. This initiative aims to coordinate efforts among state bodies, local government, NGOs, the private sector, and community organizations.