Launch of the UNDP Human Development Report (HDR) 2011

The launch of the UNDP Human Development Report 2011 titled, “Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All,” took place on November 22, 2011 at the IPS Auditorium in the presence of Hon. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister of Environment, who delivered the keynote address.

This year’s report focuses on the challenge of sustainable and equitable progress, and shows how environmental degradation intensifies inequality through adverse impacts on already disadvantaged people and how inequalities and human development amplify environmental degradation.

The report ranks Sri Lanka at the 97th position out of 187 countries in terms of human development, whilst being ahead of all its neighbours in South Asia. Dr. Saman Kelegama, Executive Director, IPS, made a presentation on Review of Economic Implications of Equity and Sustainability Aspects while, Dr. B. M. S. Batagoda, Director General of the Department of National Planning, made a presentation on ‘Review of Sustainability Aspects in Relation to Sri Lanka’ and Dr. Dileni Gunawardena, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Peradeniya, made a presentation on ‘Review of Equity Aspects in Relation to Sri Lanka’.