Once backed by global interest and high level talks, Sri Lanka’s proposed Climate Change University now faces uncertainty as questions arise over political will, ownership, and whether the bold idea will ever move beyond paper.
Plans to establish an international Climate Change University in Sri Lanka remain uncertain, despite years of groundwork and international engagement under the previous administration.
An official attached to the former Climate Change Secretariat said the previous government had completed a detailed concept paper for the proposed institution and had even submitted a Cabinet paper seeking approval to demarcate land for the project. He said several rounds of discussions were held with foreign experts who specialise in climate science, environmental policy, and global sustainability research.
However, Environment Minister Dammika Patabedi has stated that he does not have a clear understanding of the proposal. He explained that matters related to the Climate Change University were handled directly by the Presidential Secretariat rather than the Ministry of Environment. While acknowledging that establishing a dedicated Climate Change University is a good concept, the Minister pointed out that several state universities already offer environmental and climate related study programs.
According to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the proposed International Climate Change University was envisioned as a postgraduate and research focused institution, with no undergraduate programs. Its core objective was to advance climate research, policy development, and global collaboration rather than routine academic instruction.
At a briefing on climate change progress held in 2023, it was revealed that the University Grants Commission had identified around 130 Sri Lankan scientists who have gained international recognition for their research on climate change. The plan was to bring these experts together under a single institutional framework, along with their international research affiliations, to strengthen Sri Lanka’s role in global climate research.
Discussions also included the possibility of engaging international experts from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These talks focused on policy level collaboration, addressing global climate challenges, and identifying research initiatives that could emerge from such policy driven engagement.
In parallel, negotiations were held between Sri Lanka and the Korea Exim Bank, led by the External Resource Department. Wickremesinghe stated at the time that any country or organisation contributing to the university would become a stakeholder and gain representation on its Board of Governance. He confirmed that the Korean Exim Bank had expressed interest in partnering with the institution.
Wickremesinghe also said that leading global institutions such as Harvard and MIT had shown interest in collaborating with the proposed university, highlighting its international potential.
In the aftermath of the recent national disaster, former minister Ali Sabry renewed calls to revive the Climate Change University proposal. He noted that an idea once dismissed by opposition parties has now become more relevant than ever. Sabry stressed that a science based and research driven approach is essential for understanding, adapting to, and mitigating the growing impacts of climate change.
“It is still not too late. Sri Lanka must pursue this proposal with determination and vision for our environment, our economy, and for future generations,” Sabry said.
