From proactive risk reduction to reactive crisis:

· Sri Lanka's disaster governance failure during Cyclone Ditwah

- By Emeritus Prof. Krishan Deheragoda

TWO decades after the Indian Ocean Tsunami catalysed sweeping reforms in Sri Lanka's disaster management landscape, the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025 has exposed a serious disconnect between institutional design and operational readiness. Although Sri Lanka's disaster governance framework is aligned with global best practices - including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) - the country failed to translate these commitments into timely action. This article presents a critical appraisal of the governance breakdown that unfolded during the November 2025 catastrophe, integrating legislative review, institutional analysis, and verified field data towards the end of November 2025. The evidence demonstrates that the tragedy was largely mitigable, if not preventable, and it underscores the urgent need to restore anticipatory governance and strengthen national stewardship in disaster preparedness.

Sri Lanka, a 65,610 km² island nation with a population of 21.92 million (2024), is highly exposed to multiple natural and human-induced hazards. Its tropical location, monsoon-driven climate, diverse geomorphology, and extensive coastline make the country particularly vulnerable to floods, droughts, cyclones, landslides, storm surges, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise-risks that are intensifying under the influence of climate change. Additional hazards such as lightning, strong winds, wildfires, animal attacks, and transport and industrial accidents further contribute to the country's complex risk landscape.