Could Sri Lanka become a disaster-resilient nation?

Following the 2004 tsunami, which swept away the lives of over 35,000 people, Sri Lanka expedited its approaches in disaster risk reduction and disaster management. One of the main priority areas had been to upgrade existing infrastructure into disaster-resilient infrastructure to withstand natural disasters in the face of adverse climate change conditions. But 21 years later, people continue to be affected by heavy rains and winds.

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Prevailing adverse weather conditions have affected over 1500 people from across the country. Statistics issued by the Disaster Management Centre indicate that at least eight people have sustained injuries due to heavy winds, fallen trees and collapsed walls. In addition, around 321 houses have been partially damaged.

According to the Meteorology Department, these weather conditions are a result of the Southwest monsoon season. The Met. Department forecasts high tides at a height that could range from 2.5m to 3m in coastal areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Gale force winds and fallen trees have caused damage to the main power transmission lines in Hatton, Norwood, Kotagala and Norton.