The Community Capacity Building and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) Plan Validation Workshops were successfully conducted on 12th and 13th March 2026 in the Madawachchiya Divisional Secretariat Division of Anuradhapura District, marking a key milestone in strengthening community resilience.
The workshops were held at Padiggama Community Hall (Praja Shalawa) on 12th March and Walagamba Aranya Senasanaya, Thulawelliya on 13th March. These sessions were implemented under the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), with support from the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF), as part of ongoing efforts to enhance disaster resilience through Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) approaches. The ADRF initiative, supported by international development partners and implemented in Sri Lanka through Janathakshan, focuses on strengthening locally led disaster preparedness and early action systems.
The workshops focused on validating the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management Plans (CBDMPs) developed through earlier consultative processes. With the active participation of community members and local stakeholders, the sessions ensured that the plans are practical, locally relevant, and ready for implementation.
The programme brought together key stakeholders, including the Divisional Secretary of Madawachchiya, officials from the District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit (DDMCU) – Anuradhapura, Grama Niladhari officers, and GN Division-based development officers. Their active engagement significantly strengthened coordination and contributed to the effectiveness of the validation process.
In addition to the validation sessions, the workshops included technical awareness and capacity-building components aimed at strengthening community resilience. Key sessions covered:
- Drought-resilient agricultural practices
- Sustainable water management approaches
These sessions were delivered with technical support from the Department of Agrarian Development, the Department of National Community Water Supply (DNCWS), and the DDMCU – Anuradhapura, equipping participants with essential knowledge to better prepare for and respond to disaster risks.
The workshops also provided an opportunity for participants to visit field locations and review the current status of proposed interventions under the Madawachchiya DSD projects, further strengthening practical understanding and local ownership.
The successful implementation of these workshops was made possible through the strong support and coordination of the Divisional Secretariat – Madawachchiya, DDMCU Anuradhapura, and local partners, including the Anuradhapura Citizen Council (ACC).
This initiative reflects the continued commitment of SLPP and its partners to empower communities through locally led disaster risk reduction approaches, contributing towards building safer, more prepared, and resilient communities in disaster-prone regions.
