Message from

Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda ndc IG (Retd.)

Director General, Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Sri Lanka

On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction – 2025

Theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”

It gives me great pleasure to extend my warm greetings to all officials, partners, and stakeholders as we commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025, under the global theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”

This day, first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, serves as an important reminder of our shared responsibility to move from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention, where investment in resilience becomes a key pillar of sustainable development and national security.

As disasters increase in both frequency and intensity, our preparedness, risk reduction, and financing mechanisms must evolve through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable investment. The Disaster Management Centre (Sri Lanka) remains firmly committed to strengthening partnerships across government agencies, academia, the private sector, development partners, and local communities to ensure that no one is left behind when disasters strike.

In doing so, we align our mission with Sri Lanka’s national vision of “Thrive Nation and Beautiful Life,” recognizing that a resilient country is the foundation upon which a thriving nation and a secure future are built.

This year’s theme urges all of us to prioritize funding and resources toward prevention, early warning systems, and community preparedness, rather than focusing solely on post-disaster recovery. By working together, sharing knowledge, and building trust, we can transform our vision of resilience into tangible results that protect lives, livelihoods, and the environment.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all our national and international partners, technical experts, and humanitarian organizations for their continued collaboration and valuable contributions to strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster resilience.

Let us continue our journey from reaction to prevention, from response to resilience, and collectively build a safer and more sustainable future for all.

Thank you.

Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda ndc IG (Retd.)

Director General

Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Sri Lanka