Strengthening National and Provincial Capacity for Climate Adaptation in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka faces a critical decade in its response to climate change. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and more frequent floods and landslides threaten lives and livelihoods. Climate projections show temperatures could rise 1.0–1.5°C by mid-century and up to 3.0°C by 2100, with worsening droughts, floods, and sea-level rise—impacting vulnerable groups the most. By 2050, over 19 million Sri Lankans are projected to live in moderate or severe climate hotspots, with more than 80% lacking adequate adaptive capacity. In response, the NAP Readiness Project has strengthened institutions and coordination for evidence-based adaptation, leading to the second-generation NAP and Sri Lanka’s first nine Provincial Adaptation Plans—key steps toward nationwide climate resilience.

At a glance

Nationwide Adaptation Breakthrough

Sri Lanka’s second-generation NAP (2026–2035) and first-ever Provincial Adaptation Plans (PAPs) for all nine provinces, integrating climate adaptation into development planning at every level.

Institutional Capacity Unlocked

Provincial Coordination Units and Climate Committees established, ensuring vertical coordination and locally led adaptation actions.

Finance for Action

Feasibility study for a National Adaptation Fund and exploration of green/thematic bonds, paving the way for innovative climate finance and investment readiness.

“Through the GCF NAP Readiness Support Initiative, for the first time, every province in Sri Lanka has a clear adaptation plan and a structure to implement it. With GCF and GGGI’s support, we have built a foundation for climate resilience that is both nationally owned and locally driven.”

Mr. Leel Randeni

Director, Climate Change Secretariat, Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka

Key Results Achieved

Building resilient institutions and unlocking climate finance for adaptation across Sri Lanka

Key Strategies Used

Linking Climate Finance Readiness With NAP–PAP Implementation

Lessons Learned

Key Takeaways Shaping Sri Lanka’s Path Forward

Inclusive and participatory planning builds ownership: Over 1,000 stakeholders engaged across sectors, fostering shared ownership and accountability.
Data builds credibility; evidence creates trust: Enhanced climate modelling, risk assessments, and costing methodologies provided a robust evidence base, strengthening confidence among policymakers, communities, and partners.
Finance transforms plans into action: New financing pathways, including a National Adaptation Fund feasibility study and exploration of green/thematic bonds, boosted investment readiness and underscored the need for dedicated funding.