The Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP) organized a two-day training program – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – for civil society organizations (CSO) and local non-governmental organizations (LNGOs)  in the Kaluthara districts of Sri Lanka on 11- 12 November 2021. The event witnessed the participation of 27 attendees from 18 organizations from the Kaluthara district and Beruwala Divisional Secretarial. It was organized by Asia Lanka Social Development Cooperation (ALSDC) in collaboration with Janathkshan GTE Ltd with the support of SLPP.

The workshop sought to develop the technical capacity of LNGOs and CSOs on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and to scale up the partnerships and local levels. Such coordination efforts will improve their interventions for the local vulnerable communities for disaster prevention and mitigation.

Mr. Sachitha Nandajith, the Executive Director of Asia Lanka Social Development Cooperation, welcomed all the participants and the resource person on behalf of SLPP. He invited Ms. Charuni Ruwanari, Assistant Manager of Janathakshan GTE Ltd, for the opening address. Ms. Charuni provided an overview of APP and the objectives of the training. The training session commenced after all of the participants introduced themselves.

Mr. Aruna Rankoth Gunathilaka, an eminent disaster management expert in Sri Lanka, started the training by detailing the basic concept of disaster management. He engaged participants in group discussions and presentations on ways and means for collaboration in disaster preparedness and response to minimize the disaster impacts. Mr. Gunathilaka orchestrated a more interactive session on the second day during which the participants were given an opportunity to express their practical experiences through the various phases of disaster management. They also discussed the responsibilities of respective authorities and other stakeholders and the flow of information and early warning.

Mr. Nandajith in his closing address extended his gratitude to the training workshop participants for their sincere efforts, attention, and fruitful interactive sessions that contributed greatly towards the success of the workshop for their participation and contributions.