SL Press Association and SACCJF launch SL chapter to strengthen South Asian climate journalism

The South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum (SACCJF) officially opened its Sri Lanka Chapter on Saturday, July 26th, at the scenic Bolagala Agro Floating Resort in Katana, Negombo.

This new chapter is part of a growing regional network aimed at raising awareness of climate change issues. SACCJF has already launched chapters in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The Pakistan Chapter is expected to follow in August.

Top officials from SACCJF attended the Sri Lankan launch, including President Asish Gupta from Delhi, Secretary General Karamot Ullah Biplob, and Treasurer Masum Billah—both from Dhaka. They were in Colombo for a five-day official visit.

During his speech, President Gupta urged Sri Lankan journalists to bring the country’s unique environmental stories to the global spotlight. He reminded attendees that journalists are not just reporters, but also messengers of change.

Secretary General Biplob was particularly impressed by the strong presence of women journalists at the event—more than in previous chapter launches in the region. He emphasized the vital role of media in protecting the environment and promoting climate justice.

Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana, a senior journalist from the Daily Mirror, was appointed as the first President of the Sri Lanka Chapter. He welcomed the foreign delegates and said Sri Lanka must treat climate change as a top priority. He pledged the full support of the new chapter to work towards sustainable solutions.

A highlight of the event was a special award presented by SACCJF and the Sri Lanka Press Association (SLPA) to Bolagala Agro Floating Resort Chairman Kelum Perera and Managing Director Aruna Perera. Their innovative transformation of an abandoned clay quarry into a thriving eco-tourism destination was widely praised.

Biplob noted that the concept was unique in the region and invited Mr. Perera to explore replicating it in other South Asian countries.

The event was held in partnership with the SLPA, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest media organizations, established in 1955. The newly formed Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Chapter includes experienced journalists from both national and regional outlets:

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

Other Executive Committee members include Mithun Jayawardena (Ceylon Today), Nidharshani Wickramasinghe (ADA), Ishu Bandara (Sunday Times), Thilanka Kanakarathna (freelancer), Akila Nadeeshani Bandara (Monara), and Daminda Harsha Perera (Daily FT).

The visiting delegates were officially welcomed earlier in Colombo by SLPA President Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana, along with National Secretary Tharaka Wickramasekara and National Organizer Thilanka Kanakarathna.

With this new chapter, Sri Lanka joins a growing regional network of journalists committed to strengthening climate reporting and promoting sustainable development across South Asia.

 

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