COLOMBO ; A top level discussion on strengthening dam safety and downstream disaster risk reduction preparedness
was held at the Ministry of Defence today (22 October), chaired by the Defence Secretary Air Vice
Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and convened by the Director General of the Disaster
Management Centre (DMC).
The meeting highlighted the urgent need to advance non-structural mitigation measures, with particular
emphasis on effective early-warning arrangements for communities and areas downstream of dams.
Participants discussed the importance of strengthening preparedness, improving coordination among
responsible institutions, and ensuring that timely, reliable warnings can support prompt action to protect
lives and reduce disaster impacts.In his welcome and opening remarks, the Defence Secretary highlighted the timely importance of
advancing the national dam safety programme, noting that the matter had also been discussed at the
National Security Council. He further noted that the President had subsequently instructed the Ministry
of Defence to conduct the programme.
The preparation of a dedicated Dam Safety Act was also identified as an urgent national priority.
Participants emphasised the importance of establishing a clear and effective legal and institutional
framework to strengthen dam safety governance, clarify responsibilities, and support coordinated risk
management and emergency preparedness.
Dam owners and operators contributed practical inputs on operational requirements and priority actions
for taking the programme forward. Their contributions will help shape an implementation approach that
reflects national needs and the operational realities of dam management, while strengthening
cooperation among all relevant stakeholders.
The discussion reaffirmed the importance of a coordinated, forward-looking national approach to dam
safety, combining early warning, preparedness, institutional coordination and an appropriate legislative
framework. The DMC will continue to work with relevant institutions and technical agencies to advance
the programme as a matter of national importance.
The Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda
(Retd), delivered a presentation outlining the proposed activities and highlighting the financial resources
required for the future implementation of the programme. All participants agreed on the importance of
implementing the proposed measures in the national interest.
Representatives of dam-owning and dam-operating institutions and relevant stakeholder agencies
