Under the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF)-Pillar I Project of the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), the Private Sector Awareness Programme on Community-Based Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) was successfully conducted on 06 February 2026, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., at Hotel Menara Garden & Ranmal, Walasmulla.
Implemented under Output 1.1.4: Conduct awareness programme on the Community-Based Early Warning System for the private sector, the programme aimed to strengthen private sector preparedness and resilience in landslide-prone areas of the Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat Division. The workshop focused on enhancing awareness, engagement, and the practical application of community-based early warning systems, while supporting participating businesses to integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) into their operations through Business Continuity Planning.
The programme also sought to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing concise and practical Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). Through guided, sector-based group work, participants were able to directly apply the concepts, tools, and exercises discussed during the sessions to their own business contexts.
The awareness programme was led and coordinated by Janathakshan (GTE) Ltd on behalf of the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), with technical facilitation and support from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the Hambantota Chamber of Commerce, and the District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit (DDMCU), Hambantota.
The workshop brought together 70 participants, including over 50 private sector representatives, particularly SMEs from identified landslide risk clusters in Saputhanthrikanda, Dehigahahena, Rammale, Pathegama, and Thalpath Kanda, along with relevant coordination officers.
Key Thematic Areas Covered
Introduction to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for the private sector
Understanding hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and risk components
Practical risk assessment methods for businesses
Strategies for disaster risk reduction and resilience building
Integrating DRR into business operations through Business Continuity Planning
Participants actively engaged in interactive discussions and applied exercises, enabling SMEs to develop practical and context-specific Business Continuity Plans tailored to their individual operations.
