Acting Defence Minister meets stakeholders of DMC during a workshop to develop NEOP 2023-2028
June 23, 2023Acting Defence Minister Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon attended a workshop at Galadari Hotel in Colombo today (Jun 23) held to Develop National Emergency Operation Plan (NEOP) 2023-2028.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) organized the workshop with the participation of its stakeholders including guests and delegates from international organizations.
The UN Agencies, International partners, INGOs and NGOs, Government officials, Private Sector and the responders - Tri-Forces, Police and Fire Brigade, the Disaster Management Centre officials were present at the workshop.
The Acting Defence Minister during the address of the gathering, said that the presence of the stakeholders at the workshop demonstrates the shared commitment towards safeguarding the lives and well-being of our fellow citizens in the face of adversity.
The Minister highlighted the importance of the workshop and said that Disaster Preparedness, Impact Based Early Warning and Management is a critical priority for our nation since Sri Lanka is vulnerable to natural disasters including floods, landslides and droughts.
“I believe that the systems, practices and procedures that we follow should be updated with visionary goals based on strategic action plans”, he added.
Having all stakeholders reflects the recognition that no single entity can address the challenges alone and the impact of disasters can be effectively mitigated protecting our people only through the concerted efforts of government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the community at large.
DG - Met. Dept. Mr. Athula Karunanayake and DG -National Building Research Organisation Mr. Asiri Karunawardana, Senior Assistant Secretary - Defence Mr. Harsha Withanarachchi and Director Operation - DMC Brig. Anil Perera also joined the occasion.
