Climate change could pose a serious threat to food security, water supplies and the economy, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has warned.
Premadasa made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change.
He said climate change should not be treated only as an environmental issue. Its effects can also reach national security through pressure on the economy, food and water supplies, biodiversity and human life.
The warning comes as households and businesses already face higher costs for goods and services, while some areas also deal with water shortages.
Why climate change matters to the economy
Premadasa said national security should not focus only on military threats.
He pointed to the wider risks that climate change can create for the economy and people’s daily lives.
Water shortages can affect households, agriculture and businesses. Changes in weather can also affect food production and increase pressure on food supplies and prices.
He said dealing with these risks cannot be the responsibility of the government alone.
Premadasa called for Parliament, civil society and the wider population to work together, regardless of political party.
Taking environmental action closer to communities
Premadasa also proposed setting up environmental societies at Divisional Secretariat level.
He said these groups could help take knowledge about the environment and wildlife to rural communities.
He also stressed the need to protect the country’s traditional Perahera culture and elephant population for future generations.
On elephant conservation, Premadasa proposed creating a special elephant pool by breeding young elephants from existing domesticated and tamed elephants.
He said this approach could reduce the need to capture elephants from the wild.
The proposals were made as part of a wider discussion on climate change, with Premadasa arguing that environmental risks now need to be considered alongside economic and national security concerns.
Opposition Parliamentary Updates
Last modified: September 1, 2026
