The keynote speech on the topic ‘Inclusive Transformation towards a sustainably Developed Nation for All’, was delivered by Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu, Director General/CEO, Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka.
In her speech, Ms. Saparamadu discussed the current position of Sri Lanka, in terms of the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation, within the past 4 years (from 2019 to 2022) and the policies aligned with SDGs. The flagship strategies, programs, and achievements aligned with SDG implementation were highlighted, emphasizing the rise in fisheries exports during the past 10 years, taken as an example of diversifying the economy. The SME Policy Framework Matrix was brought forward, by indicating the Policy Vision, Policy Mission, and Policy Objective. Details on Knowledge Economy were explained by elaborating on the decade of Skills Development: 2021 – 2030. The Blue green economy was highlighted as a vision for a low Carbon Future and revolutionizing waste management by the Nitrogen Waste Management Policy on Sustainable Consumption and Production. The next point discussed was the Technology driven Transformation, indicating the improved position of Sri Lanka’s ranking according to the E-Government Development Index and the roadmap for Government Digitalization taken into consideration.
Ms. Saparamadu also discussed Social Inclusivity, indicating the emergency cash transfer measures introduced by the GoSL in response to the impacts of COVID-19 and the Maternal Mortality, Neo-Natal Mortality, and Under-five Mortality Ratios. Strengthened Law Enforcement and Rights Protection were emphasized thereafter. The challenges to be faced, such as twin deficit, data gaps for targeted and evidence-based planning, and policy incoherence and institutional fragmentation were discussed hereto.
The best way to move forward was explained by Ms. Saparamadu, as addressing systematic and structural issues that impede SDG progress, Mobilizing Financing for SDGs, such as debt restructuring, sustainable and innovative financing, etc. The keynote speech ended with Key Initiatives for Mobilizing Resources for a Sustained Transformation, recommending publications from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, such as ‘Roadmap for Sustainable Finance in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Sri Lanka Green Finance Taxonomy’.
The Sri Lanka SDG Investor map was introduced as a final note, by indicating its development process and the IOAs mapped to priority sectors such as Renewable Energy, Food and Beverages, Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Consumer Goods.
