Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

•           Disaster Risk Reduction is very important for building robust communities – Defence Secretary

The National Disaster Management Coordinating Committee (NDMCC) serves as a crucial platform for policy formulation, strategic planning and effective coordination among stakeholders for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities. We facilitate communication between sub-national and national levels, ensuring an incorporated approach towards disaster management through the National Council for Disaster Management (NCDM).

Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne made these remarks while delivering the welcome speech at the 67^th NDMCC conference held today (May 16) at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo.

In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters, both natural and human-induced. These challenges demand a unified response that goes beyond individual ministries or departments, General Gunaratne further stated.

At the end of his address, the Defence Secretary officially launched the NDMCC logo.

The conference was themed “Renewed commitments, strengthening partnerships towards a resilient community,” which consolidates the collective commitment to enhancing disaster resilience with the valuable support of the World Food Program (WFP).

Therefore, this forum provides a platform for robust national dialogue, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders involved in DRR activities.

Mr. Abdurrahim Siddiqui, the Country Director of the World Food Program (WFP) and the Director (Planning) of the Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Defence Mr. Nalaka Priyntha, made their remarks prior to the commencement of this year’s forum.

Director General of Disaster Management Centre Major General Udaya Herath (Retd), Director General of National Building Research Organization Dr. Asiri Karunawardana, Deputy Director of Department of Meteorology Ms. Prithika Jayakody, Senior Assistant Secretary (Development) at National Disaster Relief Services Centre Mr. Namal Liyanage, Director Hydrology and Disaster Management at the Department of Irrigation Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara and the Deputy Country Manager, Sri Lanka Regional Researcher – Water Resources Engineer Dr. Nishadi Eriyagama presented their papers to the audience and the forum concluded with the panel discussion.

Dignitaries including country representatives and heads of UN agencies, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and senior military officers also joined the forum.