Strengthening Climate Governance at the Local Level

The Political Dialogue Asia of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, in partnership with the Institute of Democracy and Governance (IDAG) and the Western Province of Sri Lanka, successfully conducted a two-day residential capacity-building workshop for local government officials from the Kalutara District. The workshop created a valuable platform to strengthen climate governance at the local level, enhance evidence-based policy-making, and promote sustainable development by empowering local authorities in responding effectively to climate-related challenges. Sri Lanka is already experiencing the severe impacts of climate change, including more intense and erratic rainfall, flooding, coastal erosion, and landslides. The Kalutara District, located in Sri Lanka’s wet zone and along the western coastline, is particularly vulnerable. In late 2025, Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and displacement across many parts of the country, including the Western Province. In Kalutara, river flooding and extreme rainfall repeatedly affected communities, livelihoods, and local public services—underscoring the urgent need to strengthen climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and local governance capacities.