Sustainable Development of Sri Lanka....

    Sustainable Development of Sri Lanka....!

 Sustainable Development of Sri Lanka....

Sustainable Development of Sri Lanka

 

Introduction:

Sustainable development is a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a balance between environmental protection, social equity, and economic development.

Achieving sustainable development in Sri Lanka is crucial because the country is rich in diverse resources, natural beauty, and socio-economic characteristics.

All of this must be achieved while simultaneously integrating social welfare, economic growth, and environmental protection.

 

Background to Sri Lanka's Sustainable Development

After gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lanka was an agrarian economy. Later, progress was made in the industrial and service sectors. A 30-year civil war, natural disasters, and economic crises greatly affected the country's development.

              

Despite these problems, Sri Lanka has recently begun to formulate plans based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

  

1. Sustainable development related to environmental protection and natural resources

Sri Lanka is also a country that occupies a leading position in the world in terms of biodiversity. However, deforestation, illegal sand mining, water pollution, and the construction of factories to destroy forests have affected nature. Since Sri Lanka is an island country, its natural resources are very important.

Forests, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and many other biologically diverse ecosystems exist. But in the last few decades, severe deforestation, earthquakes, natural disasters and pollution have severely affected the environment.

To prevent this, in Sri Lanka,

• Organizations like the Forest Commission and the Environment Conservation Authority (CEA) are working to protect forest lands.

• Green Energy — solar, wind power is being promoted using modern technologies.

• Urban projects are being constructed through Green City Programs.

For sustainable development, tree planting, laws to protect natural lands, green technologies, and environmental education play an important role.

          

  

2. Sustainable Development Related to Economic Sustainability

Sri Lanka’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, tourism, industry and the service sectors. A sustainable economy involves the sustainable use of resources, employment, and income generation.

Challenges to achieving economic stability

• Foreign debt

• Inflation

• Unemployment

• Tourism sector recovery (due to Corona, ethnic conflict, economic crisis)

          

 

Efforts to achieve economic sustainability

• Sustainable agricultural practices — biofertilizers, water conservation — are being introduced.

• Cheap, green jobs are being created.

3. Sustainable development related to social equity and human resource development

Sustainable development is based on equal opportunities for all citizens. Development in education and health is notable in Sri Lanka. However,

• Differences between urban and rural populations

• Gender inequality

• Employment opportunities

                 

To address these:

• Student education programs, women's skill development programs are being implemented in collaboration with organizations such as UNICEF and UNDP.

• Women Empowerment (Inclusive Education) is being promoted.

• Organizations such as Human Development Organization (HDO) and Sarvodaya Shraavana play a key role in social equity and human resource development.

4. Sustainable development of Sri Lanka related to energy and green technologies

Sri Lanka is mostly powered by hydropower. This is a green project initiative in a way, but mostly petrol, diesel etc. are imported from abroad.

Sustainable development green projects currently being implemented in Sri Lanka related to energy

• Solar and wind power projects (Solar Rooftop Programs) are increasing.

• Sustainable energy use and recycling and waste-to-energy projects are growing.

 

  

5. Sustainable Development in the Tourism Sector

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Places like Sigiriya, Adam's Peak, Yala are important for tourism.

To maintain these in a sustainable manner

• Eco-Tourism (green tourism) is being developed.

• Tourism projects are being set up with the participation of local communities.

• UNESCO and local governments are working to protect cultural heritage sites.

6. Sustainable Development of Sri Lanka in relation to Education and Skills Development

Sustainable development depends mainly on human resource development. Although the educational conditions in Sri Lanka are good, skill development is an area that still needs to be improved.

Sri Lanka aims to provide all students with quality, equitable, free primary and secondary education by 2030. Similarly, in the 2025 budget, the Sri Lankan government has allocated significant funds for the education sector. This includes funds for child development centres, libraries, sports schools and overseas higher education opportunities.

Sustainable Development Projects Undertaken by Sri Lanka in Relation to Education and Skills Development

• TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) is being promoted:

In collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Sri Lanka is developing Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) institutions. In 2020, 71% of TVET graduates secured employment opportunities.

• ICT skills, recycling technologies, environmental education, etc. are being included in textbooks.

• "Smart Classrooms", E-learning platforms are being taken to rural students.

 

7. Blue Economy:

Since Sri Lanka is an island country, marine resources are very important. Blue economy is a way to achieve economic growth by using marine resources sustainably. Sustainable development initiatives being undertaken by Sri Lanka in relation to the Blue Economy are:

• Safeguarding the fisheries sector

• Promoting Marine Tourism

• Fisheries regeneration and development of fishing boats

• Marine Pollution reduction initiatives — Plastic prevention, Oil spill control

 

8. Urban and Rural Development:

The rapid growth of cities creates many challenges — traffic congestion, wastewater management, pollution. To address this, the sustainable development initiatives being undertaken by Sri Lanka are:

• Smart City Projects have been initiated.

• New cities are being planned through Sustainable Urban Planning.

• Improving livelihoods through Rural Development initiatives will reduce migration to cities.

9. National and International Cooperation:

Sustainable development cannot be solved within a single country. International cooperation is important here, based on

• Working with organizations like UNDP, FAO, UNESCO, GEF (Global Environment Facility).

• Knowledge sharing with SAARC and ASEAN countries.

10. Climate Change and its impacts

Sri Lanka, being an island nation, is a country that is very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Impacts

• Sea-level Rise – Risk of inundation of the eastern and southern regions.

• Drought and heavy rains – Bad impact on agriculture.

• Natural disasters – Storms, landslides.

Efforts to prevent impacts

• National Climate Change Policy, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plans – proactive measures, recovery exercises.

• Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) – Changing agriculture to withstand climate change.

By implementing these, Sri Lanka is contributing to climate-related sustainable development.

 

11. Protection of the Central Highlands

Central Highlands is known as the homeland of water resources. Sustainable management of this region is very important.

Hilly cropping systems, soil erosion prevention measures, livelihood development of hill villages, Hydro Catchment Areas – protection and reforestation contribute to sustainable development by implementing these measures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Health Sector Sustainability

Healthy people of a country are very important for sustainable development.

To address water pollution and lack of sanitation facilities, lack of health facilities in rural areas, sustainable development programs such as

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) – Basic health care for all people

• Telemedicine programs – Remote medical services

• Nutrition and Wellness Programs – for children and pregnant women

 

 

13. Sustainable Development Related to Social Justice and Social Peace

Sustainable development is not possible without peace. The civil war and communal problems that have occurred in Sri Lanka have affected social peace.

Efforts for change

• Relief for war victims.

• Intercultural Education to understand all communities

• Human Rights Protections – Laws that emphasize social justice

 

14. Minority communities and deprived areas:

 

Sustainable development is development that provides equal opportunities for all. In Sri Lanka, some communities — hill Tamils, coastal fishermen, and internal refugees — are economically and socially disadvantaged.

Steps are being taken to improve their living standards through awareness programs, vocational training, and credit assistance.

 

 

Government programs and SDG goals for sustainable development.

The Government of Sri Lanka is implementing several programs in line with the 2030 goals:

• “Vision 2030” - a plan to transform Sri Lanka into a green, equitable, and economically viable country.

• National Adaptation Plan - Actions to adapt to climate change.

• Sri Lanka Next – Blue Green Era is an effort to strengthen the green and blue economy.

Challenges:

• Economic crisis

• External debt

• Political instability

• Energy shortage

• Public anger and lack of money

 

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

In September 2015, all 193 member states of the United Nations adopted a plan to achieve a better future for all. It set a path for eradicating extreme poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, and protecting our planet over the next 15 years. At the heart of the “2030 Agenda” are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which clearly define the world we want – they leave no one behind and apply to all countries.

The new global goals are the result of a process that has been more inclusive than ever, involving governments, business, civil society and people from the outset. We all agree on where the world needs to go. Achieving these goals will require an unprecedented effort by all sectors of society, and we at SDC are committed to making Sri Lanka a sustainable developed country for all.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Sri Lanka are a global initiative launched by the United Nations in 2015. They include 17 goals that all countries in the world must achieve by 2030. Sri Lanka is also working towards these goals through a number of initiatives.

 

Sri Lanka's 17 Sustainable Development Goals

1. No Poverty:

• Efforts to eradicate poverty so that everyone in society can access the basic amenities they need.

2. Zero Hunger:

• Ensure access to nutritious food and food security for all.

 

3. Good Health and Well-being:

• Health and well-being for everyone from birth to old age.

 

4. Quality Education:

• Provide quality, equitable and comprehensive education for all.

5. Gender Equality:

• Equal rights, protection and opportunities for advancement for women and men.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation:

• Provide drinking water and sanitation facilities to all and promote healthy habits.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

• Making reliable, renewable energy accessible to all.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth:

• Decent jobs, job security and sustainable economic growth.

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure:

• Industrial development, scientific and technological development and transport-information infrastructure.

10. Reduced Inequality:

• Reducing disparities in income, quality of life and social status.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities:

• Building safe, comfortable and clean cities and villages.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production:

• Using resources efficiently and responsibly, reducing environmental impacts.

13. Climate Action:

• Measures to control climate change – green technology, low carbon emissions.

14. Life Below Water:

• Control fishing and pollution to protect marine resources.

15. Life on Land:

• Measures to protect forests, terrestrial life and land resources.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions:

• Ensuring law and order in society, corruption-free governance and justice for all.

17. Partnerships for the Goals:

• To achieve all these goals, create local and global partnerships, financial and technical support, etc.

Sri Lanka is making various efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards these goals is being made through the cooperation of the government, private organizations, social institutions and people. The contributions made by Sri Lanka to achieve each of these goals are

 

1. No Poverty:

Social welfare programs, grants (Samadhi), housing schemes, financial assistance to small and medium enterprises

2. Zero Hunger:

Promoting agricultural production, nutrition programs (e.g., school feeding programs).

3. Good Health and Well-being:

Free government medical services, pill and vaccine distribution programs, improvement of maternal health facilities.

 

4. Quality Education:

Free education for all, provision of books and school uniforms to students, improvement of educational infrastructure.

5. Gender Equality:

Programs to provide education and employment opportunities to women, legal aid for sexual problems, promotion of women's political participation.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation:

Drinking water and sewage projects, purified water production systems within villages.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy:

Promotion of renewable energies such as solar power and wind power, rural electrification projects.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth:

Entrepreneurship training for youth, industrial zones to attract foreign investment, job weeks and training camps.

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure:

Tech Parks, ICT development, development of roads, bridges, highways.

10. Reduced Inequality:

Financial programs to reduce income disparities among people, providing equity to minority communities.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities:

Environmental considerations in urban planning, waste management programs, disaster protection structures.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production:

Recycling programs, eco-certified factories, campaigns to promote green consumption.

13. Climate Action:

Green energy programs, tree planting campaigns,

14. Life Below Water:

Seaweed clean-up, fishing restrictions, coastal protection programs.

15. Life on Land:

Forest conservation programs, wildlife protection laws, land use policies.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions:

Anti-Corruption Commission, Legal Aid Services, Ensuring Integrity in Public Administration.

17. Partnerships for the Goals:

Foreign aid (UN, World Bank, etc.), public-private partnerships, regional and global cooperation.

Solutions and recommendations for sustainable development in the future:

1. Effective governance

2. Promoting green lifestyles through public awareness

3. Improving food security and organic farming

4. Creating awareness about the SDGs among students through curricula

5. Disseminating environmental education through social media and media

 

Sustainable development is not something that can be achieved by a single sector. It can only be fully realized when the government, the people, the private sector, students, and international organizations work together.

If we properly utilize Sri Lanka's resources, knowledge, and human resources, we can certainly succeed in transforming it into a stable, peaceful, and developed country.

 

 

   Sustainable Development of Sri Lanka....!