SL launches chapter of South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum

Pioneering movement to raise awareness on regional climate change issues, the South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum (SACCJF) formed its latest chapter in Sri Lanka on Saturday, July 26th, at the Bolagala Agro Floating Resort in Katana, Negombo.

The event was attended by SACCJF President Asish Gupta from Delhi, India; Secretary General Karamot Ullah Biplob from Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Treasurer Masum Billah, also from Dhaka, who arrived in Colombo last week for a special five-day visit.

Established in line with the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022, the SACCJF has already launched chapters in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The formation of the Pakistan Chapter is scheduled for August.

Addressing the gathering, SACCJF President Asish Gupta called on Sri Lanka to bring its unique environmental stories to the global stage. He emphasized that journalists are not merely observers but narrators of truth and amplifiers of unheard voices. He noted that when journalists report on the harsh realities of a submerged village or a failed crop, they are not just sharing news but issuing a call to action.

SACCJF Secretary General Karamot Ullah Biplob commended the notable participation of women journalists at the event, significantly higher than in any of the previously formed South Asian chapters, such as those in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. He stressed the importance of journalists using their voices to raise awareness and seek justice for the environment.

Newly appointed President of the SACCJF Sri Lanka Chapter, Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana, welcomed the foreign delegates and expressed his honour at collaborating on global climate matters. He described climate change as the greatest challenge facing all living beings on Earth and pledged the chapter’s full commitment to working toward sustainable and effective solutions.

A special award was jointly presented by the Sri Lanka Press Association (SLPA) and SACCJF to Bolagala Agro Floating Resort Chairman Kelum Perera and Managing Director Aruna Perera, in recognition of their innovative eco-tourism concept developed in Bolagala, Katana—where an abandoned clay quarry was transformed into an attractive environmental tourism destination.

Secretary General Biplob praised the resort, stating that he had not seen a similar concept elsewhere in the region. He invited Mr. Perera to introduce this model in other South Asian countries.

The event was held in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Press Association (SLPA – established in 1955), and the newly formed Executive Committee of the SACCJF – Sri Lanka Chapter brings together a dynamic group of journalists from across the country, representing both mainstream and regional media.

Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana of the Daily Mirror serves as President, with Vineetha M. Gamage (Monara) as Vice President, Supun Maduwantha Abeysena (DAN TV, Yarl TV) as Secretary General, Savani Sheshadhi (Mawbima) as Joint Secretary, and Krishna D. Edirisinghe (Aruna) as Treasurer.

Supporting the leadership are Executive Committee Members Mithun Jayawardena (Ceylon Today), Nidharshani Wickramasinghe (ADA), Ishu Bandara (Sunday Times), Thilanka Kanakarathna (freelance), Akila Nadeeshani Bandara (Monara), and Daminda Harsha Perera (Daily FT).

Together, this team of  journalists aims to strengthen climate reporting in Sri Lanka and actively contribute to the broader regional dialogue on climate change through the SACCJF platform.

The visiting delegation was officially received by SLPA President Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana, along with National Secretary Tharaka Wickramasekara and Nationalb Organizer Thilanka Kanakarathna, during preliminary discussions held in Colombo.