The Forecast-based Flood Early Warning (FEW) SOP Review Workshop was successfully conducted on 21 February 2026, from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., at Rajagiri Holiday Resort, Ruwanwella.
Implemented under the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF)-Pillar I Project, specifically Output 1.3: Upgrading the Community-Based Flood Monitoring and Early Warning System in Kegalle District, the workshop brought together key stakeholders from the Divisional Secretariat (DS) divisions of Dehiovita, Ruwanwella, and Yatiyantota. The objective was to review and strengthen the existing Forecast-based Flood Early Warning System in the district.
The session commenced with opening remarks by the District Secretary of Kegalle. This was followed by an overview of the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP) and ADRF project activities in Kegalle District, delivered by the Project Manager of Janathakshan GTE Ltd, highlighting progress made toward upgrading community-based flood early warning mechanisms.
Technical presentations were delivered by representatives from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Irrigation Department, focusing on real-time flood monitoring in the Kelani River Basin, trigger levels, modelling applications, and district-level flood response mechanisms.
Dr. Panduka Neluwala, Senior Consultant of the ADRF Project, emphasized the importance of the initiative in strengthening flood preparedness in Kegalle District. He also presented an overview of the Draft Regional Flood Early Warning SOP, outlining its proposed structure, institutional roles and responsibilities, communication flow, and operational sequence from district to community level.
The workshop was attended by representatives from Divisional Secretariat Offices, Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Offices, the Police, the Irrigation Department, the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), and the District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit (DDMCU).
Through structured group discussions, participants reviewed existing practices, identified technological, operational, and coordination gaps, and provided recommendations to enhance institutional coordination and communication flows, thereby strengthening forecast-based flood preparedness across Kegalle District.
