FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – A recent analysis has revealed that Sri Lanka’s infrastructure for early warning systems related to climate disasters is insufficient, heightening the vulnerability of communities beyond the immediate effects of such disasters. This finding was presented by a think tank advocating for solutions centered around community engagement.
The Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, representatives from civil society, journalists, experts in disaster risk management, and community members. This gathering focused on the theme ‘Empowering Estate and Rural Communities for Climate and Disaster Resilience and Social Equity’.
Organized as part of the GPPAC Climate, Peace, and Security (CLIMPSE) initiative, this forum was conducted in partnership with GPPAC-Sri Lanka affiliates, including the National Peace Council (NPC), Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Women & Media Collective (WMC), Viluthu, and the Association of War Affected Women (AWAW).
During the discussions, several shortcomings in Sri Lanka’s approach to climate resilience and disaster management were identified:
- Insufficient initiatives focused on accountability and disaster risk reduction,
- Lack of accountability concerning development projects that proceeded without adequate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA),
- Ineffectiveness of early warning systems in reaching marginalized populations,
- Absence of community involvement in decisions regarding relocation,
- Digital inequality affecting access to information,
- Deficiencies in accountability within disaster governance.
The dialogue underscored the necessity for a people-centered approach to climate resilience, emphasizing integrated reforms that combine land tenure, investment in infrastructure, community engagement, and accountability in institutions.
RCSS noted, “Participants reached a consensus to advocate for the policy recommendations derived from the case studies and to promote the establishment of participatory decision-making processes in planning for relocation and recovery at both local and national levels.”
Additionally, the forum highlighted the importance of developing mechanisms for tracking public expenditure related to disaster recovery funding.
(Colombo/Jun11/2026)
