Colombo: ‘Our focus has shifted from mere disaster response to building true resilience,’ stated Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) during his address at the Disaster Management Centre’s National Symposium 2024 at the Galle Face Hotel. The event marks a significant change in Sri Lanka’s approach to disaster management from reactive measures to proactive resilience-building strategies.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the government, under the leadership of the President, is concentrating on reducing poverty and empowering communities, allowing citizens to respond more effectively to disasters. The Ministry of Defence continues its traditional post-disaster role while enhancing efforts in prevention and preparedness.

The Defence Secretary emphasized that reducing disaster losses requires comprehensive analysis, strategic planning, and sustained efforts, including military participation and cooperation from civilian entities. This shift in focus aims to create a resilie
nt society capable of withstanding and recovering from disasters.

The symposium, held under the theme ‘Reflections on Two Decades from Tragedy to Resilience: Retrospect of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami’, highlighted the need for collaboration among experts to share knowledge and innovations. The discussions aimed at achieving a ‘Tsunami-Ready Country’ status for Sri Lanka.

Professor Priyan Dias, the keynote speaker, discussed strategies for managing high-impact, low-occurrence disasters like tsunamis in Sri Lanka. The event featured panel discussions that fostered the development of innovative disaster management solutions.

The symposium was attended by Tri-Forces Commanders, Acting IG, Senior MOD officials, the Director General of DMC, members of the diplomatic corps, academia professionals, practitioners, scientists, engineers, humanitarian agencies, and representatives from partner organizations, demonstrating a collective commitment to enhancing disaster resilience.