Colombo: The 23rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief took place in Colombo, hosted by Sri Lanka and co-chaired by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, with participation from over 50 representatives across 27 ARF member countries.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the meeting underscored the necessity of a coordinated and well-prepared approach to disaster relief, emphasizing planning and implementation to reduce impact and ensure recovery. Coinciding with ‘World Environment Day’, Sri Lanka highlighted its commitment to sustainable environmental practices, national policies, and strengthening disaster relief mechanisms. Insights were shared from Sri Lanka’s recent humanitarian mission to Myanmar post-earthquake, led by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, with the Sri Lankan delegation headed by Ms. Chamari Rodrigo, alongside officials from the Disaster Management Centre and the Ministry of Defence.

Discussions revolved around best practices, capacity-building, regional and international collaboration, and enhancing civil-military coordination in disaster relief. A panel of youth representatives offered fresh perspectives on linking sustainable environmental strategies with disaster relief efforts.

The meeting also reviewed the ARF Work Plan for Disaster Relief 2024 – 2027 and the Hanoi Plan of Action II. A preceding reception, hosted by Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, showcased cultural performances by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The ARF is an ASEAN-led mechanism for security dialogue in the Asia-Pacific, fostering dialogue and consultation to promote confidence-building and preventive diplomacy. Sri Lanka, a member of the ARF since 2007, currently co-chairs the Inter-Sessional meeting on Disaster Relief.