Colombo: Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) delivered special remarks at the Reflection Workshop of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), held at Cinnamon Life at the City of Dreams in Colombo. The two-day event, focusing on ‘Sustaining Collaboration: Advancing the Future of National Preparedness Partnerships,’ convened delegates from seven Asian countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
According to Ministry of Defence, the Defence Secretary commended the APP for its multi-stakeholder framework established in 2016 and stressed the significance of developing sustainable, nationally owned disaster preparedness systems. He pointed out Sri Lanka’s achievements through the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), which has successfully integrated government, civil society, and the private sector to enhance early warning systems and community-based initiatives.
The Secretary also underscored the importance of disaster risk redu
ction and climate resilience as elements of national security, emphasizing that both natural and man-made hazards pose significant threats to stability and development. He acknowledged the leadership of the Disaster Management Centre, Janathakshan GTE Ltd, and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce as co-chairs in establishing SLPP as a nationally owned, multi-sectoral platform.
Moreover, he expressed gratitude to the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their leadership and support. He urged the participating nations to turn partnerships into lasting systems and transform ideas into concrete actions.
The workshop, inaugurated with welcome remarks by Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd), Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), aimed to enhance regional collaboration and devise strategies for a safer and more resilient Asia. Opening remarks were also delivered by Aslam Perwaiz, Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, and Dr. Valer
ie Berno, Deputy Director of Emergency Response at the Gates Foundation.