Puttalam: Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) made a field visit to the Doppler Weather Radar Network project site in Puttalam. The project, supported through a grant aid from the Government of Japan, is aimed at enhancing real-time weather forecasting and early warning systems across the island.

According to Ministry of Defence, the Defence Secretary was welcomed by Mr. Athula Karunanayake, Director General of the Department of Meteorology. The visit highlighted the strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Meteorology Department in developing infrastructure against natural disasters.

The Doppler Radar Network, once operational, is expected to improve the accuracy of weather predictions and provide alerts to safeguard lives and property from extreme weather events.

The Defence Secretary praised the initiative, noting its alignment with national efforts to modernize disaster management systems and strengthen ties with Japan.

The event saw the presence of Additional Secretary to the Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Defence, K.G. Karunathiake, senior officials from the Meteorology Department and Ministry of Defence, and international collaborators including Hazama Ando Corporation, Project Manager Tanaka Shumei, and a team of technical experts from Japan Radio Co. (JRC). Their participation highlighted the importance of global cooperation in transferring technology and expertise to Sri Lanka.

This project not only advances meteorological science in Sri Lanka but also represents a step toward climate resilience and international solidarity.