The South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) officially moved into its new Headquarters in Colombo on 21st October 2025, in a landmark event attended by senior dignitaries, diplomats, development partners, and regional representatives.

The ceremony was graced by Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, as Chief Guest, alongside Hon. Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment (MOE) of Sri Lanka, Mr. K. R. Uduwawala – Secretary MOE, Sri Lanka, and Mr. Victor Antonypillai – Principal Country Officer for the World Bank in Sri Lanka and The Maldives. 

Mr. Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of SACEP, welcomed guests and reflected on the organization’s journey and the commitment of member states to strengthening regional collaboration in solving environmental issues in South Asia. 

“The South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme was established in 1982 to promote environmental conservation and address the adverse impacts of climate change in the South Asian region. The creation of SACEP demonstrates that South Asia as a region is committed to addressing climate and environmental challenges that the region will face in the future. This new headquarters is made possible by the commitment of the leadership of all the member countries; commitment to the vision of SACEP, commitment to collaborate, and commitment to co-create a climate-resilient South Asia, where the well-being of its 2 billion residents is protected and promoted”

Mr. Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of SACEP

Since its establishment, SACEP has served as the regional intergovernmental platform for environmental collaboration among the eight South Asian nations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Over the past four decades, the organization has played a key role in addressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, transboundary pollution, waste management, and marine litter. The construction of the new Headquarters was made possible through the generous land allocation by the Government of Sri Lanka, and financial support from the World Bank Group under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project.

Chief Guest, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya spoke of the vital role played by SACEP in the region, and of Sri Lanka as the host country, in her keynote address.

“SACEP plays a key role in promoting regional projects, sharing knowledge and ensuring development assistance benefits all Member States. By doing so, it strengthens regional solidarity and supports South Asia’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Sri Lanka is honoured to serve as the host country of SACEP. We see this not only as a hosting responsibility, but as a commitment to regional environmental cooperation. I’m confident that this headquarters will become a regional hub for innovation, policy dialogue, and action, helping countries turn commitments into results.

Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

She also commended the PLEASE project, implemented by SACEP, supported by the World Bank, with implementation support from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).  

“South Asia faces significant environmental challenges, from plastic pollution to the impacts of climate change. These challenges also offer opportunities for innovation, investment in green technologies, and regional leadership in sustainability. Initiatives such as the PLEASE Project show that practical, scalable solutions can protect both people and the environment.”

Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

The modern facility, located in Colombo 05, spans approximately 1,610 square meters and is designed in accordance with LEED Gold Certification Standards, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. The facility incorporates solar panels that generates up to 50% of its total energy needs. It features a range of inclusive and accessible amenities and infrastructure to ensure a supporting and equitable environment for all users. Functionally, the building houses a 100-seat auditorium, modern office areas, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms to facilitate regional dialogue, project coordination, and collaborative engagement. UNOPS, a partner of the PLEASE project, managed the planning, design, and construction of the new SACEP headquarters office. 

Mr. Victor Antonypillai, Principal Country Officer for the World Bank in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, commented on the importance of the facility, beyond its impressive infrastructure.  

“Today, we are here to celebrate far more than the opening of a constructed building. This building will not only serve as an infrastructure that’s going to create an environment to continue its mission, but also a lighthouse that’s going to guide the future of SACEP. The World Bank Group is immensely proud to be a part of SACEP endeavours in the future, and we will stand by whatever that’s needed in terms of bringing this mission into fruition.”

Mr Victor Antonypillai – Principal Country Officer for the World Bank in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Echoing the statements made by other dignitaries, Mr. K. R. Uduwawala – Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, reiterated the timeliness of the SACEP HQ inauguration, considering the daunting environmental challenges faced by South Asia today. 

“Our region is one of the most ecologically diverse, yet environmentally vulnerable parts of the world, with a set of complex and interconnected challenges –  from climate vulnerability, air and water pollution, and marine litter to land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters. No single country can address these issues alone. They transcend borders and demand shared solutions. The new regional headquarters in Colombo enables SACEP to reposition itself as a centre of excellence and thought leadership in regional environmental affairs – one that can inspire innovation, policy coherence and action across borders.”  

Mr. K.R. Uduwawala – Secretary to the Ministry of Environment

The Minister of Environment in Sri Lanka, Dr. Dammika Patabendi, concluded the event by sharing a vision for SACEP and South Asia’s future.

“Today’s inauguration stands as a testament to the collective determination of South Asian nations to address our shared environmental challenges through unity, dialogue, and action. SACEP’s role is more vital than ever. As a regional platform, it enables our nations to harmonize policies, exchange knowledge and experience, and design joint initiatives that enhance institutional capacity and foster collective action. Together, we can better protect the ecosystem and natural resources upon which the livelihoods and cultures of our people depend. May this inauguration mark the beginning of a new era for regional solidarity, one defined by cooperation, innovation, and enduring commitment to the well-being of our people and our planet”

Dr. Dammika Patabedi – The Minister of Environment in Sri Lanka

Following a tour of the modern facility, the event closed with a firm statement of intent. The new Headquarters, built on the strength of partnerships with SACEP, the Government of Sri Lanka, the World Bank Group, and UNOPS, solidifies SACEP’s position as the essential regional platform for environmental stewardship. This move is a clear signal that the Member States are fully committed to accelerating action, turning shared vision into on-the-ground reality and protecting the invaluable natural heritage of South Asia for generations to come.