The Evacuation Center with enhanced accessibility facilities was inaugurated on 20.02.2025 in Nochchiyagama under the project ‘Reducing Disaster Risk Including Disability and Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation through Empowering Marginalized Communities in Sri Lanka’. This project, implemented by Janathakshan Guarantee Limited with financial support from the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), aims to create safer, more inclusive spaces for vulnerable communities during emergencies.
The event was held under the patronage of the Anuradhapura District Secretary, with the participation of CBM Country Representative Mrs. Vanee Surendranathan, CEO/Executive Director of Janathakshan, Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka, and many other distinguished guests from government and non-government organizations, as well as community members.
The newly established evacuation center is equipped with a range of facilities specially designed for persons with disabilities, women, and the elderly, ensuring that all vulnerable community members have access to safe and dignified shelter during disasters.
In the past, individuals displaced by disasters, such as floods, were often relocated to inadequate facilities in temples or schools, leaving marginalized communities, especially persons with disabilities, in dire conditions. Recognizing this challenge, Janathakshan, with official permission from the Divisional Secretariat and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), and guidance from Janathakshan’s Disability Expert, successfully established a fully inclusive and well-equipped evacuation center.
The center is designed to be fully accessible, incorporating features that cater to the diverse needs of the community. Trained personnel ensure that everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability, can find refuge in a safe and inclusive environment during emergencies. This initiative not only enhances physical safety but also promotes community inclusion and dignity, offering a space where everyone feels supported during times of crisis.
This center represents a significant step forward in disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation for marginalized communities, providing a model for future evacuation facilities across Sri Lanka.
Stay tuned for more updates on how Janathakshan continues to foster inclusive, community-led disaster risk reduction initiatives.
