As part of the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP) Phase III (2024–2026) and the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF) Grant Pillar I, the SLPP successfully conducted the second Subnational Stakeholders Consultation Workshop on 20th February 2025 at Ambasewana City Hotel, Kegalle. The workshop aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness by upgrading the community-based Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) in the Dehiovita, Ruwanwella, and Yatiyantota DS (Divisional Secretary) divisions.
The event was coordinated by the Deputy Director of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) – Kegalle District, and attended by the Additional District Secretary of Kegalle, representing the District Secretary. The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from national and subnational government institutions, local authorities, the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to discuss ways to improve flood risk communication and enhance local response mechanisms.
The ADRF Grant – Pillar I provided financial support for the workshop, which contributes to strengthening forecast-based, locally led early warning and early action systems to better reach at-risk communities.
Participants reviewed the district flood risk profile and examined the SLPP’s partnership with the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), as well as the ADRF project plan for Kegalle district. Collaborative group discussions focused on improving early warning dissemination, enhancing community preparedness, and reinforcing local response mechanisms. These efforts align with the objectives of the National Disaster Management Plan, aiming to create a more resilient flood risk management system.
During the workshop, participants also identified previously unnoticed disaster risks, assessed the institutions responsible for intervention, and reviewed existing disaster preparedness measures. Alternative solutions were proposed, and a comprehensive action plan was outlined to enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts across the region.
Divisional Secretaries’ Feedback:
The three Divisional Secretaries of the targeted DS divisions provided valuable feedback on the discussion points and refined the activity implementation plan to better suit local needs.
This successful workshop is a significant step forward in building a resilient disaster management system in Kegalle, with a special focus on forecast-based early action and community engagement.
