COLOMBO : Environment Minister Naseer Ahamed, at a recent meeting with the Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay stressed the importance of expediting the signing of the proposed
The proposal to enter into an Environmental MoU between the two neighbours was discussed by Minister Ahamed and India’s Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav when they met in New Delhi last month.
Minister Ahamed and the High Commissioner both agreed on the need to expedite the process towards early finalization and signing of the MoU prior to COP28 summit in November this year.
As regards general areas of cooperation, a number of other environmental issues came up during the cordial discussion between the two dignitaries. They mainly include sharing India’s expertise and technologies in all environmental fields for the protection and preservation of the environment enhancing Sri Lankan’s mitigation and adaptation of climate change impact, climate financing and capacity building .
Developing Sri Lanka’s Mineral industry policies and attracting Indian investments in the Mineral sector in Sri Lanka was also discussed. Minister Ahamed informed the High Commissioner that Sri Lanka is in the process of developing its Mineral sector to attract investments and to create competitiveness within the sector. He said towards that Sri Lanka is in the process of introducing a new mineral industry policy which is in tune with the global mineral industry trends and priorities, which will help Sri Lanka to attract greater investment in the mineral sector.
Recollecting his recent discussions with various officials on natural farming and regenerative agriculture, particularly in Andra Pradesh, Minister Ahamed recognised that India has made tremendous progress in natural farming. He also said that Sri Lanka’s organic agriculture policies and strategies need to be re-visited by learning from the experiences of natural and regenerative agricultural practices in India.
Minister Ahamed thanked the envoy for his assistance in continued support and the assurance given that India is ready to support Sri Lanka. Minister Ahmed also said that India’s support as a friendly neighbour has been amply demonstrated in the recent times particularly during the pandemic and in the economic crisis. The Indian High Commissioner also agreed to extend whatever possible support and cooperation in environmental and climate change challenges that Sri Lanka is facing today.
