Under the Ditwah Emergency Assistance & Response ( DEAR ) Program in Sri Lanka, learning equipment kits and psychosocial support materials were distributed to selected early childhood development centres affected by the floods caused by Cyclone Ditwa across the Yatiyanthota, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, and Galigamuwa Divisional Secretariat Divisions.
This initiative was implemented through a collaborative effort between the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Janathakshan (Guarantee) Limited, with the financial support of Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), with coordination support from the Kegalle District Disaster Management Centre.
The programme aimed to support the recovery of early childhood education in flood-affected communities while addressing the psychosocial well-being of children, teachers, and parents. The distribution of learning kits is expected to help restore safe and supportive learning environments for young children following the disaster.
During the event, Dr. Janaka Hematilaka, CEO of Janathakshan, shared insights on the implementation of the DEAR programme and its role in strengthening disaster preparedness and response at the community level. The programme also provided a platform for preschool teachers to share their experiences and challenges faced during Cyclone Ditwa, fostering peer learning and collective reflection.
Several technical awareness sessions were conducted as part of the programme. Mr. Deshapriya Bandara, Deputy Director of the Kegalle District Disaster Management Centre, delivered a session on child-centered disaster risk reduction (DRR) for preschool children. Ms. Renuka Jayaratne, Senior Counselling Officer of Kegalle District, provided guidance on psychosocial support for preschool teachers and parents, while Ms. Sudarika Chandrasiri, Early Childhood Development Officer, shared insights on child-focused disaster preparedness and future psychosocial support initiatives.
The programme also included interactive and practical activities for preschool children, with the active involvement of Early Childhood Development Officers from the respective Divisional Secretariats, ensuring an engaging and supportive learning environment.
The event was attended by the Assistant Divisional Secretary of Ruwanwella, the Assistant Planning Director, the Assistant Zonal Education Director, the Sri Lanka Programme Coordinator of ADPC, Mrs. Dushyanthi Wijesuriya, officials from Janathakshan, officers of the Kegalle District Disaster Management Centre, Early Childhood Development Officers, preschool teachers, parents, and children.
This initiative highlights the importance of integrated recovery efforts that combine education, psychosocial support, and disaster preparedness, contributing to building resilient communities and safeguarding the well-being of children in disaster-affected areas.
