Under the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF) – Pillar I Project, the School Awareness Programme on Landslide Risk and Preparedness continued successfully on its second consecutive day, 10 February 2026, in the Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat Division of the Hambantota District.
Implemented under Output 1.2: Enhanced community awareness on landslide risk and preparedness, the programme builds on a series of school-based awareness sessions aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness in landslide-prone communities.
The programme was carried out through the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit (DDMCU) – Hambantota and the Human Settlements Planning & Training Division of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO). Coordination support was provided by the Zonal Education Department of Walasmulla DSD and the Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat.
Programme Locations
The Day 02 sessions were conducted at:
- Rammale Kanda Primary School
- Saputhanthri Kanda Primary School
Sessions were held from 8.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon, with parallel implementation in both schools. Two technical teams, together with project staff, facilitated the sessions simultaneously at each location.
Enhancing Awareness Across School Communities
The programme commenced with interactive sessions for school children, followed by dedicated awareness sessions for teachers and parents, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to disaster preparedness.
Facilitators from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) covered key areas including:
- Causes and warning signs of landslides
- Safe evacuation routes
- Emergency response procedures
- Understanding early warning systems and community preparedness
Following the student sessions, teachers and parents were engaged to reinforce key messages and share the knowledge gained by students. Special emphasis was placed on recognizing and responding to environmental changes observed by children, encouraging adults not to overlook such observations, as they can serve as important early warning indicators.
Strengthening Preparedness and Resilience
The Day 02 programme further strengthened awareness and understanding of landslide risks and early warning responses among students, teachers, and parents, contributing to improved preparedness at school, household, and community levels.
The continuation of the programme reflects a sustained effort to build resilient communities in landslide-prone areas of Walasmulla, ensuring that both children and adults are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to disaster risks.
