‘The Future we want – A safer Sri Lanka’
Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:33:00 BST
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsumani, an international seminar on Disaster Management has been held to create a dialogue which will develop an effective and viable process for the management of disaster in Sri Lanka in the future. The event was organised by the Government of Sri Lanka and its Disaster Management Ministry officials and was held from 24-26 September 2014 in Sri Lanka.
Professors Dilanthi Amaratunga and Richard Haigh from the Global Disaster Resilience Centre at the University of Huddersfield’s School of Art, Design and were invited by the Government of Sri Lanka to speak at this important event. Dilanthi delivered a speech on Emerging trends in disaster management, global frameworks & international best practices, conventions and knowledge transfer mechanisms. Richard delivered an address about collaborative action towards addressing societal challenges, based on the work of an EU funded regional project, with a view to developing sustainable disaster management practices. In addition, Dilanthi and Richard chaired a panel on shared risks to shared value.
Mrs Marina Mohamed, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management thanked the Huddersfield Professors: “ your expertise and insights in disaster management and its imperative for sustainable development enriched the discussions of the session. We value your contribution over the last 10 years to Sri Lanka on post disaster recovery process and we look forward to collaborate with you for many years to come”.
A summary report of Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga & Professor Richard Haigh’s work in Sri Lanka since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, including projects, lessons learned, and best practices, was published as part of the conference proceedings.
Over 460 local and foreign experts in the disaster management field shared their experiences at the conference. Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that this international event has helped educate the world on the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in the disaster management field. “Sri Lanka can show its vast experience in the management and mitigation of disasters in Sri Lanka,” she said.
The information derived from the opinions and the suggestions brought forward by regional and global experts in the disaster management field at this seminar, will be presented to the President of Sri Lanka at the National Safety Day ceremony to be held in Hambantota on December 26, 2014.
