The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) successfully hosted a special awareness session for journalists titled “Is the country’s food production sufficient in the face of El Nino?” on September 15, 2026, at the SLPI Auditorium in Colombo.
The primary objective of this session was to educate journalists on the challenges posed by climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon on Sri Lanka’s agriculture and water resources.
Dr. Tushara Wickramaarachchi, Director General of Agriculture, participated as a key resource person. He detailed the potential impacts of El Nino on the local agricultural sector and outlined the proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Agriculture to secure upcoming food production targets.
Eng. Nilantha Danapala, Director of the Water Management Secretariat, also shared his insights during the event. He briefed the media on the critical importance of proper national-level water management to cope with fluctuating weather patterns, explaining how existing water resources must be efficiently utilized for agricultural activities in the upcoming seasons.
The session emphasized the crucial role of journalists in accurately and responsibly informing the public about impending climate challenges. Participating journalists were also provided the opportunity to engage directly with the experts and discuss pressing questions regarding the country’s environmental and agricultural readiness.
