The Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP) operates as a national partnership under the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) and its first district level stakeholder discussion program for its Kegalle District project-related activities was held at the Amba Sevana Hotel premises in Kegalle this morning (20).

The program was organized by the Deputy Director of the District Disaster Management Center, Mr. Anura Viraj Dissanayake, under the guidance of the National Disaster Management Center and the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP).

Accordingly, the main objective of this program was to raise awareness about the relevant project activities by improving the existing community-based flood early warning system in the Dehiowita, Ruwanwella and Yatiyanthota Divisional Secretariat Divisions, ensuring timely and effective flood risk communication and response.

The keynote address of this program was delivered by Mr. Chathuru Liyanarachchi, Director of Preparedness and Planning, Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center, while the introduction of risk areas in the district and the problems and risks in the district were highlighted by the Deputy Director of the Kegalle District Disaster Management Center.

The Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP) was introduced by Mr. Nandana Mohottige, Senior Project Manager, Janathakshan Institute, while Ms. Buddhima Gunaratne presented the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership Project Plan and expectations.

All district-level stakeholders from government, non-governmental organizations, civil society and private sectors in the district participated in this program and a discussion was held at the end of the program. At that time, the views and suggestions of a number of parties were obtained regarding the prevailing disaster situations covering the entire district and the possible solutions and proposals.

Additional District Secretary (Administration) Kusum Bandara, Divisional Secretaries of Dehiowita, Yatiyanthota and Ruwanwella, Deputy Director of Emergency Operations of the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Center Indika Pushpakumara and a group of officials from institutions related to the disaster sector were present at this event.