On March 16, 2023, the Centre for Disaster Management Research (CDMR) at KDU initiated a collaboration with the Global Disaster Resilience Centre (GDRC) at the University of Huddersfield, UK, through a workshop held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event marked the start of joint efforts between the two institutions in disaster risk reduction and management. Professors Dilanthi Amaratunga and Richard Haigh, co-directors of GDRC, along with their research team, discussed the pressing needs, potential opportunities, and challenges associated with research in disaster resilience.

Additionally, GDRC team members, including Dr. Nuwan Dias, and PhD candidates Mr. Asitha de Silva and Ms. Shavindree Nissanka, shared valuable insights from their research journeys, inspiring a group of eager young attendees interested in pursuing higher education. Earlier that day, a meeting between KDU’s Vice Chancellor, GDRC, and CDMR—led by Dr. Nilupul Gunasekara—focused on identifying strategies to strengthen and expand future collaborative research initiatives.