The role of civil society organizations (CSO) in disaster management is crucial at national and sub-national levels. CSOs play a significant role before, during and after disasters. The role and contribution of CSOs in disaster management was discussed at national level with the representatives of local non-governmental organisations (LNGOs) island wide, during the first phase of the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP). It has been identified that, the support extended by LNGOs especially at sub national level helps to reduce the burden of the Disaster Management Centre during disaster situations. Therefore, there is a vital need for collaboration among the LNGOs for better coordination and effective contribution, when assisting in managing disaster situations.
With the intention of creating an effective and collaborative network of LNGOs, an event was held on 17th June 2022, organized by the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) together with Janathakshan Gte. Ltd. to launch the “Sri Lanka Civil Society Action Network for Community Resilience”.
The keynote address at this event on the topic of “Importance of civil society engagement in national Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives” was delivered by Major General (Retd) Sudantha Ranasinghe, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre. Senior officials representing the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Asia Lanka Social Development Co-operation (ALSDC), Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Janathakshan Gte Ltd. also expressed their views on aspects related to the preparedness capacity of local civil society organisations.
