Global temperatures are likely to reach 2°C by 2045. It is estimated that this will trigger a rise in sea levels by several meters, the melting of polar caps, and irreversible damage to critical ecosystems around the world.
According to Oxfam, the world’s richest 1 per cent are responsible for 15 per cent of global emissions. This class is mostly made up of millionaires, who now total nearly 60 million globally and are projected to grow in number to over 65 million by 2028
The Ceylon Electricity Board has yet to issue an official explanation for the outage. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are expected as restoration efforts continue.
Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison last month on fresh corruption charges, a verdict he dismissed as politically motivated. His wife was also convicted and handed a seven-year sentence.
The program is being implemented through convergence with the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), which is providing financial support for the initiative.
Sources indicate that extensive consultations have been conducted at various levels, involving chief secretaries, chief ministers, mining associations, state-owned enterprises, and both large- and small-scale mining companies.
The decision to open the door to external payment of fines is a pragmatic acknowledgement that not every person currently incarcerated needs to remain there.