Second national symposium on disaster risk reduction & climate change adaptation

In line with the International Day for Disaster Reduction, 13th Oct 2010, a special discussion forum on ‘Disaster Resilient Cities’ is being organised for the Officials of Municipal Councils and Urban Councils. About 50 officials are expected to attend this event held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo.

'How to make your city resilient to disasters' is the main question to be debated at this event. During this session, the different approaches that could be adopted to achieve this objective will also be presented by resource persons of organizations such as UN HABITAT, the University of Moratuwa, the Urban Development Authority, Help Age Sri Lanka, Practical Action and the Disaster Management Centre of the Ministry of Disaster Management, Sri Lanka. In addition, The Lunawa Environment Improvement and Community Development project will be discussed as an approach on how to involve the communities to improved disaster resilience.

A questionnaire will be distributed to all participants to collect ideas and thoughts to help make their cities disaster resilient. The session will conclude with an open discussion and suggestions for a workshop for all Mayors on the various techniques and methods towards building disaster resilient cities in Sri Lanka.