A community awareness workshop on landslide risk management was successfully conducted on 26 November 2025 in the Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat Division, Hambantota District, under the project “Building Resilient Communities through Locally Led Disaster Risk Management Initiatives.” The project is implemented by the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP) with financial support from the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF).
The programme was held at the Siththam Gal Lena Ancient Temple, Warapitiya, and addressed the thematic area of strengthening forecast-based, locally led early warning and early action systems to reach last-mile communities. The activity contributed to promoting community-based early warning systems (EWS) and aimed to enhance awareness on landslide risk and preparedness within the Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat Division.
The session focused on raising awareness on community-based early warning systems, landslide risks and preparedness, evacuation and relocation policies, and available social protection schemes, with particular emphasis on vulnerable communities in Thalapathkanda, Dehigahahena, and Pathegama. Around 85 participants attended the workshop, with women representing approximately 60% of total participation. Participants included community members from high-risk Grama Niladhari Divisions, alongside relevant local-level government officials and civil society representatives.
The key objectives of the workshop were to:
Raise community awareness on landslide risks and the importance of early warnings
Introduce the Community-Based Early Warning System (EWS), including its purpose, structure, and operation
Strengthen community capacity to monitor, communicate, and respond effectively to landslide threats
Train key community groups, including Landslide Risk Monitoring Committees (LRMCs), on rainfall monitoring, system operation, and coordination with authorities
Technical facilitation was led by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), with support from the District Disaster Management Coordination Unit (DDMCU) – Hambantota and the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC). Experts provided guidance on landslide risk assessment, early warning mechanisms, disaster management, relocation policies, and social protection schemes.
Conducted in alignment with NBRO’s Community-Based Landslide Risk Management (CBLRM) approach, the full-day programme strengthened institutional, community collaboration and advanced locally led, sustainable disaster risk management efforts in the Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat Division.
