Defence Secretary graces 67th National Disaster Management
Coordinating Committee meeting
August 22, 2024
Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne graced the 67th Assembly of the National Disaster Management Coordinating Committee (NDMCC) as the Chief Guest at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today (Aug 22).
“The NDMCC stands as a cornerstone in the national disaster preparedness and response strategy. Its deliberations and decisions have the power to save lives, protect livelihoods and preserve our rich cultural and natural heritage”. General Gunaratne said so during his remarks as the NDMCC Chairman.
The 67th NDMCC gathering was themed "Renewed Commitments, Strengthen Partnership towards a Resilient Community," which captures the collective dedication of the NDMCC to enhance disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the island nation.
The Country Director of the World Food Program (WFP) Abdurrahim Siddiqui, also joined the event while the Deputy Country Director and Head of Programme Gerard Rebello made remarks on behalf of the WFP.
Resource personnel representing the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) conducted presentations providing valuable insights on the implementation of local and global frameworks, mainstreaming DRR, early warning and emergency operations, relief, welfare, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Director Generals of the DMC, Department of Meteorology and National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Defence Ministry officials, senior tri forces and police officers, representatives of international and national non-governmental organisations and International Cooperation Agencies were present at the occassion.
