Colombo:The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), participated as the Chief Guest in a youth dialogue event titled “From Experience to Preparedness Youth Perspectives on Disaster Risk Management in Sri Lanka” held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the event was organized by the Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRiMP) in collaboration with Save the Children. The program’s goal is to enhance youth involvement in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, taking cues from the lessons learned during Cyclone Ditwah.

During his speech, Major General Jayasekara stressed the need for robust disaster preparedness, improved stakeholder coordination, and the development of resilient communities. He praised the efforts of young researchers and volunteers in disaster response and urged increased youth engagement in initiatives related to preparedness, public awareness, and community resilience.

The dialogue revolved around four main themes youth as researchers, responders, communities at risk, and agents of preparedness. Participants discussed youth roles in disaster response, early warning systems, public awareness, and community resilience. The discussions also identified gaps in preparedness, communication, and coordination, alongside exploring training opportunities in disaster risk reduction for young people and those in the education sector.

The event gathered young researchers, volunteers, and disaster management stakeholders to exchange experiences and deliberate on youth participation in research, emergency response efforts, community resilience, and preparedness strategies. Attendees included the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, ADRiMP President, representatives from Save the Children, as well as young researchers and volunteers.