High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, attended the Environmental Resilience Day organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat on 21st January 2026. The theme of the event: ‘A Resilient Commonwealth: Driving Environmental Resilience for People and Planet’, underscored how climate change, biodiversity loss, energy security and pollution are crucial for a country’s sovereignty, stability and prosperity.
In the keynote address, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr Arjoon Suddhoo outlined the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, unanimously adopted by all 56 member states. He explained that the Plan builds on past achievements while refocusing priorities, improving efficiency and strengthening transparency and accountability. In light of declining funding across multilateral institutions, he stressed the importance of deeper collaboration through new and strengthened partnerships, as well as the establishment of centres of excellence in areas such as biodiversity and artificial intelligence.
High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving its climate goals and developing a climate-resilient economy. Recalling the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, he drew attention to the increasing vulnerability of climate-exposed countries to severe shocks that threaten macroeconomic stability. He also highlighted the Government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka initiative to restore homes, infrastructure and livelihoods in a climate-resilient manner.
Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Fiji and Australia echoed the need to keep climate change at the forefront of the global agenda. They emphasised the importance of aligning fiscal priorities, strengthening partnerships particularly through the CHOGM process and supporting Small Island Developing States through investment in people, nature and nationally determined contributions. The event brought together heads of mission, diplomats, Commonwealth officials and representatives of intergovernmental agencies.
