Colombo: World Meteorological Day, marking the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization, was celebrated at the Meteorological Department in Colombo under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The event, held under the theme “Closing the Early Warning Gap, Together,” highlighted the vital role of meteorology in safeguarding communities and addressing climate-related challenges.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the World Meteorological Organization, established on 23 March 1950, commemorates World Meteorological Day annually on the same date. This celebration underscores the significant contributions of meteorology to human well-being and environmental preservation. It also aims to educate the public about weather-induced disasters and climate change.

The ceremony saw the attendance of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and other dignitaries, who were received by the Director General of the Department of Meteorology, AK Karunanayaka. In his address, the Deputy Minister emphasized the necessity of collaboration between public and private sectors to build robust early warning systems that protect communities and ensure their long-term stability.

Also present at the event were several key officials, including Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary – Disaster Management K.G. Dharmathilaka, and Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd). Other attendees included Director General of the National Building Research Organisation Dr. Asiri Karunawardena, Director General of the Irrigation Department Ajith Gunasekara, and various other officials from the Department of Meteorology and the tri forces.