The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operationalize the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for the Activation of Anticipatory Action for Floods in the Downstream Gal Oya River Basin in the Ampara District was officially signed with the participation of key government institutions and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

This historic agreement was officially signed by Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC); Mr. Philip Ward, Country Director and Representative of the WFP in Sri Lanka; Mr. Ajith Wijemanna, Director General of the Department of Meteorology; Mr. Rajalingam Rushandan, Director General of the Partnership Secretariat for WFP Cooperation (PSWFPC); Mr. S. Jegarajan, Additional District Secretary of the Ampara District; Mr. L.S. Sooriyabandara, Director of the Irrigation Department; and Mr. Prageeth Danansuriya, Senior Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC).

This milestone establishes a formalized, coordinated approach to anticipatory action, enabling government institutions and partners to work together to provide timely assistance to at-risk communities before flood impacts occur. The SoP outlines clear roles and responsibilities among all stakeholders, supported by forecast-based triggers generated through the collaboration of the Department of Meteorology and the Irrigation Department. Through this mechanism, vulnerable households can receive early assistance from the WFP, helping to safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and reduce the impacts of flooding.

The DMC highly appreciates the commitment and collaboration of all partner agencies in advancing this innovative approach to disaster risk management. This marks a decisive step toward institutionalizing anticipatory action and further strengthening national preparedness for future flood events.