Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies (ISSN: 2321 – 2799) Volume 02 – Issue 04, August 2014 Asian Online Journals (www.ajouronline.com ) 506 Challenge of Local Responses to Climate Change; Perceptions of Urban Planning Practitioners in Sri Lanka P.K.S. Mahanama 1 , C. Chethika Abenayake 2 and Pavitra Jayasinghe 3 1 Professor, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa (Moratuwa, Sri Lanka) 2 Lecturer Dept of Town & Country Planning, University of Moratuwa (Moratuwa, Sri Lanka) Corresponding author email: chethika.abenayake {at} yahoo.com 3 Graduate Research Assistant Dept of Town & Country Planning, University of Moratuwa (Moratuwa, Sri Lanka) ABSTRACT— This study attempts to explore the key factors influence on integrating climate change adaptation into urban planning at local level with special reference to Sri Lankan coastal urban localities. Based on the reviewed literature, key factors have been discussed in this paper are (i) Decision making power and legal framework, (ii) Financing and other resources, (iii) Access to localized knowledge, information and technical skills, Institutional capacity and resources, and (iv) Community awareness and perceptions. The study has synthesized the key factors that constraint the integration of climate change responses in urban planning practice; in comparison to the challenges revealed through comprehending the literature and the challenges perceived by the urban planning practitioners of Sri Lanka. Keywords— Climate change, Adpatation, Urban Planning Practice, Public Participation 1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY A large share of the world’s urban centers is located in low-lying coastal areas which are particularly vulnerable to storm surge and water-related calamities, increasing the risk to property, livelihoods and urban infrastructure (OECD 2010, Cities and Climate Change). Settlements in coastal lowlands are especially vulnerable to risks resulting from climate change, yet these lowlands are densely populated and growing rapidly (McGranahan, et al., 2007). Urban areas located in coastline of Sri Lanka are considered as the most vulnerable areas for climate change in the country. Coastal urban areas of Sri Lanka occupy 3/4 of the country’s urban population and 80% of its economic infrastructure networks. These areas are highly vulnerable to potential climate change impacts such as the sea-level rise, flooding, salination of water resources, storm surges, cyclones, and droughts. Further, “the coastal zone accounts for 43% of the nation’s GDP so impacts on coastal settlements translate into substantial impacts on the nation’s economy’ (Disaster management Centre, 2010 cited in Sector Vulnerability Profile, Climate Change Secretariat, Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka, 2010 p-11). Hence, it indicates the need of appropriate climate change adaptation measures for coastal cities in Sri Lanka in order make them safe and resilient. As mentioned in the OCED Policy Guidance, Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Co- Operation 2009, climate change adaptation in local level is important for three main reasons: (1) climate change impacts are manifested locally, (2) vulnerability and adaptive capacity are also realized locally, and (3) adaptation action is best observed at local levels. Consequently, the need of practicing climate change adaptation actions at local level obtains an utmost importance. ‘There is a need for the developing countries to prepare more detailed plans of adaptation to climate change including policies and ensuring their compatibility with action plans under other multilateral, environmental agreements (such as biodiversity and desertification) as well as with other… sustainable development plans or strategies’ (Huq, 2002 cited in Adger et al, 2003 p-189). Increased climate hazards coupled with rapid urbanization are likely to put increased strain on the capacity of local governments as they attempt to respond to the vulnerabilities of the urban population (Tanner, et al., 2009 p13.). Urban development plans can be recognized as one of the most effective options available for implementing climate change adaptation actions at local level in Sri Lankan urban areas (Weerasoori, 2014, Personal Communication). Urban development plans in Sri Lanka is a legalized, institutionalized, authentic instrument which follows integrated