The Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, delivered the keynote address at the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Green, Low-Carbon, High-Quality Development Conference held on 29 August 2023 in Yantai, Shandong Province of China. The Speaker reiterated the commitment of Sri Lanka converting 70 percent of energy production through renewable sources by 2030. Further, he said that by 2050, Sri Lanka aims to achieve carbon neutrality. Adding that Sri Lanka is on the right track to achieve these two targets within the timeframe, the Speaker stated that converting to renewable energy and achieving carbon neutrality will contribute to sustainable development. He further added that the energy sector would not depend on fossil fuel., which will immensely benefit the people of Sri Lanka.

The Speaker further said that Sri Lanka acknowledges the importance of the global community's involvement in climate action. In this context, he called on the leadership of the Heads of Government, international organisations and diplomatic bodies to play a pivotal role in shaping transformative policies, mobilising resources and fostering international cooperation for collective efforts to address the impact of climate change.

Commenting on Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate change, the Speaker stated that Sri Lanka frequently encounters the adverse impacts of the climate-induced natural disasters, despite the fact that Sri Lanka’s contribution to global carbon emission stands a mere 0.03%. The Speaker enumerated that however, Sri Lanka remains committed to reduce carbon emission by 14.5% by 2030, embodying its dedication to being a part of the solution.

The Speaker referred to President Ranil Wickemesinge’s vision of establishing an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, proposed at the COP 27, which would serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, fostering the next generation of climate change experts in all regions who will play a key role in steering the earth towards a sustainable future. He sought support of the countries gathered at the conference in this endeavour.

During the visit, the Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party of the Shandong Provincial Committee and the Chairman of the Shandong Provincial People’s Congress Lin Wu called on the Speaker and held bilateral discussions. Both parties agreed to further consolidate cooperation in investment, trade, tourism, culture, education and people to people contacts.       

The speaker also visited the China Railway Rolling Stock (CRRC). The CRRC undertakes design, manufacture, testing, commissioning and maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock, including: electric locomotives, diesel-electric and diesel-hydraulic locomotives, high-speed trains of speed over 350 km/h. CRRC has been supplying locomotives and carriages to Sri Lanka from 1960. The Speaker and the delegation also visited the Hisesnce, which produces household electrical appliances and medical equipment and supplies locally and internationally. The speaker requested the company to consider establishing an assembly plant in Sri Lanka.  In addition, the delegation also visited the Wanhua chemical park and the Yantai Shinho Weldamel food com Ltd and the Rongchang pharmaceutical companies. 

Members of Parliament Gamini Lokuge, R. M. C. B. Rathnayake, Ashok Abeysinghe, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and the Secretary General of the Parliament Kuahani Anusha Rohanadeera consisted of the Speaker's delegation.

Embassy of Sri Lanka 

Beijing

29th August 2023