Sri Lanka seeks China aid for bamboo, forest management

Colombo, July 24 (Daily Mirror) - Environment Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody has called for international cooperation to tackle the global environmental crisis, saying no country can face environmental challenges alone.

Addressing a ministerial-level workshop on “Forest Resource Management and Green Development” under the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in China, Jayakody said countries must work together to find solutions and promote sustainable development.

The workshop, held from July 24 to 30, brings together environmental ministers, officials and experts from Sri Lanka, Egypt, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Liberia, Malaysia, Namibia and Thailand.

Thanking the Chinese Government for hosting the event, the Deputy Minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable environmental management and climate resilience.

During the meeting, Jayakody requested China’s support for three key areas — developing Sri Lanka’s bamboo industry, managing forest fires, and improving the country’s Forest College and training programmes.

The Sri Lankan delegation included Ministry of Environment officials and Director General of the Department of Forest Conservation P.S.C. Palamakumbura.

The Ministry said the discussions are expected to strengthen cooperation between Sri Lanka and China and support Sri Lanka’s green development efforts.