August 28, 2026 Reading Time: < 1 minute
Reading Time: < 1 min read
The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) hosted a Public Lecture on “Dealing with El Niño in 2026” on 25 August 2026 at the LKIIRSS Lighthouse Auditorium. The programme brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, and representatives of government institutions to examine the implications of El Niño for Sri Lanka and the context of national preparedness in the face of El Niño.
The lecture featured Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi, Winthrop Professor of Coastal Oceanography at the University of Western Australia (UWA) Oceans Institute and UWA Defence and Security Institute, who delivered the lecture virtually. A world-renowned ocean scientist, Prof. Pattiaratchi provided expert insights into El Niño and its implications for Sri Lanka, particularly in relation to climate variability, disaster preparedness and national resilience. The lecture was followed by an interactive Q&A session which provided participants with an opportunity to engage with Prof. Pattiaratchi and further explore the issues addressed during the lecture. The session was moderated by Rear Admiral (Retd) Y.N. Jayarathna, member of LKIIRSS Board of Management, who augmented the depth of the discussion through his invaluable expertise and insights.
LKIIRSS as the premier Think-Tank of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism, intends to incorporate the deliberated ideas, viewpoint and comments into an Outcome Document which will be forwarded to relevant Government Institutions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The public lecture, in particular the hour-long Q&A session conducted based on a ‘Risk-matrix for next 9 months’ template, brought out several important facets to look in to as the island faces Inter-Monsoon, North-East Monsoon and the cyclonic month of November within the next 9 months ahead in dealing with the El-Niño phenomenon.
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A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
