Tea has continued to be one of the main exports for Sri Lanka for decades. As adverse effects of climate change are felt both locally and internationally, Dilmah - the only Sri Lankan tea brand that has established a presence in 100 countries, has set up the world’s first Climate Research Station in Sri Lanka, thereby facilitating the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies. The research station will address the need for accurate climate change related data relevant to the tea growing regions of Sri Lanka.
The station will be used by researchers from the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo to conduct research on climate science, to study general trends as well as to determine accurate weather patterns to be experienced across the country during different periods of the year. They will also continuously contribute to the management of the facility.
The main objective is to facilitate local research on climate variability and its consequential effects on species, ecosystems and man-made systems such as large scale agricultural areas including tea plantations.
The Dilmah Conservation Centre for Climate Change Research & Adaptation [DC-CCCRA] was also inaugurated and accordingly its sustainability report has identified that Sri Lanka is highly susceptible to global climate change phenomena owing to its island location and close proximity to the equator. The potential impacts of climate change are already visible and currently being experienced with changes in rainfall patterns and temperature levels. It is a rising global challenge and the pace at which the world is responding is too slow in order to balance the adverse effects the country is experiencing now.
For further developments in Sri Lanka, please write to Nishika Hassim - Manager Higher Education and Education Services.