Sri Lanka’s Vulnerability to Climate Change: Insights from a CACN Expedition

Sri Lanka finds itself increasingly susceptible to the adverse consequences of climate change, with rising temperatures, extreme rainfall patterns, and sea-level fluctuations significantly impacting the nation's diverse economic sectors. Over the past months, the region has witnessed an alarming lack of rainfall, even in rainforests as precious as Sinharaja. Recently, our team from the Climate Action Champions Network (CACN) had the privilege to journey to Deniyaya, delving into the profound implications of climate change in Sri Lanka.

During this eye-opening expedition, we organized an awareness session at Enselwatta Estate, targeting the school's principal, students, and their parents. This session, conducted in Tamil, employed the power of art as a means of spreading awareness.

We also seized the opportunity to gauge the local community's climate literacy through a comprehensive survey. In addition to these efforts, we collaborated with Thuru on a reforestation project, reclaiming an abandoned tea estate by planting 100 saplings and contributing to the broader reforestation initiative.

On the second day, we ventured into the heart of Sinharaja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned rainforest. However, during our visit, the forest's plight was starkly evident as we encountered the absence of rainfall, underscoring the profound impact of climate change on weather patterns. Our exploration extended to understanding how climate change has disrupted Sinharaja's delicate forest habitat, offering invaluable insights for our climate champions to grasp the contextual challenges posed by climate change in Sri Lanka.