Awareness program on mainstreaming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Provincial Planning and Development process – 2025

Awareness program on mainstreaming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Provincial Planning and Development process – 2025

The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) provides the necessary guidance and technical assistance to all stakeholders towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka.

In 2024, SDC issued guidelines to all provincial councils on mainstreaming SDGs into the provincial planning and development process in both Sinhala and Tamil languages. As part of its ongoing efforts towards capacity development of provincial authorities to deliver on the SDGs, an online Knowledge Session based on the above guidelines was conducted by the SDC today for the planning officers of 05 provincial councils; Western, North Central, Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

The presentations and discussions primarily focused on identifying stakeholders and provincial priorities for sustainable development, setting provincial specific SDG targets in line with national priorities, developing financing strategies and monitoring progress towards the SDGs.

In parallel, a presentation was also delivered on the objectives, focus and main components of the "Clean Sri Lanka" national program and the synergies between the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme and the SDGs.

Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu, the Director General of SDC, Mr. S. P. C. Sugishwara, the Additional Secretary to the President and Ms. Prasadika Basnayake, the Director (Development) of the Sustainable Development Council provided resource inputs during the session.

Approximately 500 officials engaged in the preparation of Provincial Development Plans from the 05 provincial councils including Chief Secretaries, Deputy Chief Secretaries and Heads of Provincial Ministries, Departments, and Institutions participated in this online session.