Title

Managing disasters to managing disaster risk – an insight to Sri Lanka’s disaster management process

Bio

Mr. Jayaweera has been spearheading the preparedness activities of the Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka as its Director – Preparedness and Planning since 2011. In his capacity as the head of the division, he has been actively involved the preparation of the National Disaster Management Plans based on the Sendai framework, Divisional and District disaster management and preparation plans including the North East and South West monsoon preparedness activities. Further, he has gained significant exposure in Tsunami early warning systems and was instrumental in successfully organizing an international three day hybrid (i.e. virtual and face to face) symposium on Multi Hazard Early Warning (MHEW) and Disaster Risk Reduction. He holds a Master of Science in Town and Country Planning obtained from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka; Postgraduate Diploma on Applied Sociology from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and a Bachelor of Science (Special) on Estate Management and Valuation obtained from the University of Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka. He has over thirty years of experience in the field of mapping, landslide risk management, human settlements and planning and environmental quality management as the Senior Scientist, National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Sri Lanka from 1990-2002 and from 2004 to 2011 and also as the Consultant Public Communication at the Water Resource Secretariat, Sri Lanka from 2002-2004. His professional associations include, member of the Population Association Sri Lanka, corporate member of the Institute of Town Planning of Sri Lanka, committee member of Sri Lanka Women Partnership and expert member in EIA and SIA studies in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Managing disasters to managing disaster risk – an insight to Sri Lanka’s disaster management process Multi Hazard Early Warnings (MHEWs) emerged as a foremost component in the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) mechanism. The Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030) highlights the prominence of MHEWs by indicating it in one of its seven targets. Under this mechanism, the accurate and timely flow of information is vital so as to function the proper systematic behaviours of MHEWs. Various technological applications and other modes of communication could be vividly incorporated along with the components in MHEW mechanism to upgrade the overall level of effectiveness.

Sri Lanka is a country, which is subjected to crucial natural hazards each year. In the Sri Lankan context, the stakeholders who are identified as the first responders are considered as the first to receive Early Warnings (EWs) in any disaster situations. There is significant potential for applying various mechanisms using technology to implement MHEWS in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the level of preparedness as the first responders of the early warnings is a key factor to face the eventualities of any disasters or emergencies that may happen which could be either natural or man-made. The trust of stakeholders is considered as an important parameter in disseminating the early warnings.

As a country Sri Lanka has faced several challenges in disseminating early warnings as well as responding to sudden emergencies or disasters. The multi hazard early warning mechanisms established across the country, tends to cater to the needs of the vulnerable communities at present but there are certain gaps that have been identified as well. At present, more emphasis is being given on enhancing the effectiveness of early warnings from national to local level through local Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities, with a view of ensuring that “no one is left behind” in following the last mile – last man concept.