Prof. Lalith Rajapakse and Dr. Luminda Gunawardhana of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, participated as key speakers at Webinar 3 of the National Webinar Series titled “Climate Smart Sri Lanka: Awareness to Action.” The session, held on 11th February 2026, was hosted by Sri Lanka Technology Campus (SLTC) in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka. The theme of the webinar was “Climate Change, Risks, and Adaptation”. The webinar focused on moving from awareness to evidence-based adaptation, emphasizing that Sri Lanka’s climate resilience depends on integrating science, engineering, and policy.
Prof. Lalith Rajapakse highlighted that climate adaptation is fundamentally about risk control within water resources management. He advocated for a shift toward Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and stressed the value of regional collaboration in South Asia, given shared monsoon systems and transboundary challenges. He also noted that increasing rainfall extremes demand a re-evaluation of conventional reservoir design and operational practices to ensure dam safety and long-term water security. He further emphasized that climate risk is not solely a function of changing hazards, but also of increasing exposure and vulnerability within rapidly urbanizing and infrastructure-intensive river basins. He highlighted the need to integrate hydro-climatic projections, AI-based forecasting tools, and scenario-based planning into water governance frameworks. Strengthening early warning systems, enhancing floodplain zoning, and adopting nature-based solutions were identified as critical adaptation pathways. He also underscored the importance of bridging science–policy gaps, promoting data sharing among organizations and across borders, and building institutional capacity to operationalize climate-resilient water management strategies in South Asia.
Dr. Luminda Gunawardhana presented on climate risk assessment and data-driven engineering solutions. He explained that accelerated climate change is intensifying hydro-climatic extremes, increasing both flood and drought risks. Referring to recent extreme events, he emphasized that impacts depend not only on rainfall magnitude but also on catchment conditions and system vulnerabilities. He further highlighted the need to integrate “grey” infrastructure with nature-based solutions. Ecosystems such as the Thalangama Wetland demonstrate how natural retention can complement engineered drainage in reducing urban flood risk. Climate-informed reservoir design, hydrological modelling, remote sensing, and machine learning were identified as essential tools for translating uncertain climate projections into practical risk management strategies.
The discussion underscored key national concerns, including the growing flood–drought paradox, infrastructure stress, and catchment degradation. The speakers recommended mainstreaming climate risk assessments in development projects, modernizing hydrological monitoring networks, strengthening institutional coordination, promoting nature-based solutions such as cascade tank restoration, and establishing a centralized climate data hub.
The webinar concluded with a clear message: climate change is a present reality requiring immediate, coordinated action. By aligning academic expertise with policy and practice, Sri Lanka can proactively design a resilient and climate-smart future.
The YouTube Video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RgTCUa9aYw
