Special Cabinet panel reviews preparedness for possible El Niño impacts

Colombo, July 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Special Cabinet Subcommittee and Officials' Committee appointed to assess measures in response to possible El Niño conditions met for the second time at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (20).

The meeting, chaired by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi, focused on preparedness measures to address the anticipated impacts of El Niño across key sectors.

Officials said that the World Meteorological Organization has forecast an 81% probability of El Niño conditions developing globally. In light of this, discussions centred on sectors likely to be most affected, including agriculture, food security, plantations, water management and energy.

The committee also reviewed short-, medium- and long-term action plans prepared by relevant government institutions to mitigate the potential effects of El Niño.

Attention was further drawn to forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology, while members considered additional proposals to strengthen preparedness and minimise the impact on vulnerable sectors.