High Commissioner helps launch disaster risk reduction plans for Ratnapura, Batticaloa, Kalmunai and Balangoda
The Australian Government provided AUD 1 million (LKR 126 million) to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to support Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Preparedness Plans for the cities of Ratnapura, Batticaloa, Kalmunai and Balangoda.
International Day for Disaster Risk Management was marked by a ceremony, themed “Towards a Sustainable and Resilient City”, held at BMICH on 21 October 2013. During the ceremony the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Preparedness Plans were handed over to the Chief Guest at the event, Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Disaster Management and the Guest of Honour H.E. Robyn Mudie, the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Robyn Mudie stated “Australia recognises that every dollar invested in preparation and planning can save a dollar and possibly much more in emergency response, rebuilding and recovery, as well as saving lives and protecting human health.”
The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Preparedness Plans for Ratnapura, Batticaloa, Kalmunai and Balangoda being handed over to the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Robyn Mudie at a ceremony held at the BMICH.
In her speech, Ms. Mudie thanked UN-Habitat for delivering a successful outcome for the project and extended her appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka, The Ministry of Disaster Management, Urban Development Authority and various Sri Lankan academic institutions, who have provided technical support and advice.
In April 2013, Australia decided to support an expansion of this program to the additional four cities of Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya and Akkaraipattu following the success of the project. The second phase of the programme will support an additional 165,000 people in those cities.