President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says Sri Lanka, as a nation with rich, philosophical heritage shaped by the teachings of Lord Buddha, fully understands the importance of balancing ecological concerns with human needs. He made these observations during the High-level Thematic Debate on “Delivering Climate Action: for People, Planet & Prosperity” convened by President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid today. The High-Level Thematic Debate commenced under the patronage of UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York and the Heads of States of UN member countries and representatives joined the conference via video technology.

President Rajapaksa stressed the need to address climate change urgently and decisively. The President pointed out that as a developing, tropical island nation, Sri Lanka is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world. He said, internationally, Sri Lanka is proud to be a co-lead of the Energy Compact for ‘No New Coal Power.’ He said Sri Lanka also leads the action group on mangrove ecosystems and livelihoods under the Commonwealth Blue Charter initiative. Additionally, the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management seeks to have nitrogen waste by 2030. The President said the country is taking to limit overuse of artificial fertilizers, thereby addressing health concerns as well as helping reduced nitrogen waste. President Rajapaksa said the country’s nationally determined contributions targets achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. President Rajapaksa went on to call on developed nations to fulfill their commitment to help the planet heal.