Sri Lanka participated in the High-Level Plenary Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-Level Rise, held on 24 September 2026 during the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Sri Lanka welcomed the adoption of the Declaration on Sea-Level Rise.

Addressing the Meeting, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, Jayantha Jayasuriya, underscored that sea-level rise is no longer a distant forecast, but a present and increasingly pressing reality. He noted that Sri Lanka speaks not as a bystander to this crisis, but as a country experiencing its impacts, which extend beyond the environment to development, food security, livelihoods and human rights.

Three key priorities were highlighted in addressing the impacts of sea-level rise. First, Sri Lanka called for enhanced, simplified and predictable access to climate finance, particularly for developing countries vulnerable to its impacts.

Second, the importance of strengthening partnerships for climate-resilient agriculture was emphasized, including through greater research, development and adaptation measures to safeguard food security and livelihoods.

Third, Sri Lanka called for strengthened real-time sea-level monitoring systems integrating satellite altimetry, tide-gauge networks and multi-hazard early warning systems, with greater interoperability among these systems. The need to strengthen national capacities was also underscored to ensure that improved monitoring and early warning contribute to effective preparedness and resilience.

Sri Lanka reaffirmed the importance of strengthened international cooperation and practical action to support vulnerable developing and coastal states in addressing the growing impacts of sea-level rise.

The Meeting was attended by Heads of State/Government, Ministers and Permanent Representatives of UN Member States.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
New York

27 September 2026