On 30 June and 1 July 2025, the Climate Change Secretariat (CCS) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub convened a follow-up training workshop aimed at strengthening the technical capacities of Sri Lanka’s Project Proposal Development Working Group (PPD-WG). This workshop was a continuation of the initial capacity building programme held in January 2025.

The January training laid the foundation for developing investment proposals and delivered concept ideas in four key sectors: Agriculture, Transport, Forestry, and Loss & Damage. While initial progress was made in conceptualizing ideas, participants identified the need for deeper engagement on certain technical components essential to producing high-quality concept notes and full proposals eligible for climate finance.

Accordingly, this second workshop focused on:

• Conducting economic and financial analysis to determine project viability and sustainability;
• Integrating environmental and social safeguard requirements to ensure compliance with funding entities; and
• Mainstreaming gender and youth considerations to promote inclusive climate action.

The training format remained interactive, combining expert presentations, group work, and plenary discussions. To enhance the learning environment, the CCS and the Commonwealth engaged three highly experienced local experts: Planner Rohan Cooray, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Specialist; Mr Ajith U K Ethugala, Natural Resources Management & Environmental Safeguard Specialist; and Dr. Sureka Perera, Programme Quality & Design Analyst and Climate & Gender Focal Point at UNDP Sri Lanka.

The inclusion of local experts also enabled greater flexibility in communication, allowing certain technical concepts to be conveyed in vernacular when needed, thereby deepening participant understanding.

The workshop was officially opened by Mr Leel Randeni, the Director of the Climate Change Secretariat, and closed by Ms Thiris Inoka, the Assistant Director. Overall facilitation was led by the Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser, Dr Gina Maswabi with support from Ms Thanuja Ranathunga, Development Officer at CCS.

Participants comprised representatives from government agencies, research institutions, and academia - the same cohort that was engaged in the initial workshop. As per the Terms of Reference of the PPD-WG, they will continue developing their sector - specific concept ideas into strong project proposals with the aim of mobilizing climate finance to support Sri Lanka’s climate goals.

This workshop marked another important step toward building a pipeline of high-quality, fundable climate projects and advancing national climate priorities.

For more information about ongoing capacity building programmes or upcoming events, please contact the Climate Change Secretariat via,

General Line: +94 (0) 11 203 4198      E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.