The Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Sri Lanka hosted a workshop for its coordinating institutions to demonstrate the achievements, challenges, and suggestions related to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) on 17 Dec 2024 at BMICH, Colombo.

In response to this invitation, KDU showcased its unique approach as a university in achieving these goals through research, teaching, and training. KDU was represented by Dr. RMM Pradeep, Director of the Center for Disaster Management Research (CDMR), who explained how the university has contributed to disaster risk reduction. He detailed KDU’s role in addressing the SFDRR priorities, highlighting the innovative approaches taken in research, the integration of disaster management in teaching, and the university’s efforts in capacity-building through training programs.

KDU’s Alignment with the SFDRR Priorities: Research, Teaching, and Training Excellence

The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) continues to exemplify its commitment to advancing the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). Through a combination of innovative research, rigorous teaching, and impactful training, KDU is making substantial contributions toward creating a disaster-resilient Sri Lanka. These efforts comprehensively address all types of disasters, including natural, man-made, and slow-onset hazards, aligning seamlessly with the four priorities of the SFDRR.

Figure 1: How KDU invests its resources to achieve the priorities of the SFDRR.

Over the past five years, KDU has undertaken over 3,000 research initiatives exploring diverse disaster scenarios, ranging from flood risk management and urban flood modelling to the behavioural dynamics of pilgrims at sacred sites such as Adam’s Peak. A notable project, the Adam’s Peak Pilgrim Responsibility Attenuation Model, investigates littering behaviours and environmental impacts, contributing to the development of sustainable waste management policies (read more). Other research highlights include projects funded at Rs. 3 million focusing on flood risk and post-disaster housing satisfaction, showcasing the university’s systematic and scientific approach to disaster risk reduction.

Figure 2: KDU Research Publications Across Different Disaster Types

In the academic arena, KDU demonstrates its commitment to disaster risk management through its undergraduate and postgraduate offerings. The university’s curriculum features 26 disaster-related modules, equipping students with both theoretical and practical knowledge on topics such as disaster-resilient construction and spatial modelling. As part of these modules, students have been organizing annual disaster management exhibitions since 2015. These exhibitions showcase students’ research outputs, providing a platform for engagement with stakeholders and demonstrating practical applications of their academic learning. The Master of Science in Disaster Risk Reduction and Development (DRRD) is a flagship program designed specifically for existing professionals. It aims to enhance their practices and serves as a specialized training program for real-world disaster management practitioners. The MSc program blends rigorous coursework with field-based practicums, ensuring participants acquire advanced skills that directly contribute to their professional growth. Like the undergraduate modules, the program emphasizes practical engagement with stakeholders, incorporating initiatives such as disaster management exhibitions to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

KDU’s training initiatives complement its series of workshops and seminars by preparing internal staff and external professionals for real-world disaster management challenges. Over 1,200 internal staff and more than 50 external professionals have been trained on topics like fire safety, cybersecurity, tsunami preparedness, and epidemic management. These sessions often integrate practical applications, such as community-based flood relief campaigns and solid waste management projects. The recently concluded water safety and waste management campaign involved 1,600 participants, further reinforcing the university’s proactive stance on resilience-building.

At the heart of KDU’s disaster management strategy is the Center for Disaster Management Research (CDMR). Established in 2020, the CDMR plays a pivotal role in integrating research, teaching, and training while coordinating efforts with external organizations. The center serves as a bridge between policymakers, scientists, and practitioners, facilitating collaboration and ensuring that research outputs are effectively translated into practice. Through its coordinated approach, the CDMR supports KDU’s vision of advancing disaster risk management practices comprehensively and sustainably.

Figure 3: KDU’s Disaster Management Research Strategy

Addressing Challenges and Proposals for DMC

While KDU has made remarkable progress, challenges persist. Limited resources for large-scale research, coordination gaps in multi-stakeholder initiatives, and the high costs associated with disaster modelling remain significant barriers. Additionally, even though universities and other training institutes provide DRR-related qualifications, no institute has considered these educational qualifications in DRR for the recruitment or promotion of existing professionals involved in DRR activities. KDU views this as a major disadvantage in implementing real initiatives to achieve the SFDRR priorities. To overcome these challenges, KDU has proposed the following to the Disaster Management Center (DMC):

1. Establishment of a Disaster Management Research Lab:
   KDU recommends that DMC take steps to establish a dedicated Disaster Management Research Lab at a suitable university to advance research in this critical area.
2. Identification of National Disaster Management Research Problems:
   It is proposed that DMC, as the coordinating body, identify unresolved national disaster management research questions in consultation with various coordinating organizations. These questions should address issues that cannot be resolved through existing collaborations.
3. Provision of Research Funding:
   To facilitate progress, DMC is encouraged to allocate funding for research focused on addressing these unresolved questions, enabling innovative and practical solutions.
4. Open Access to Disaster Management Data:
   It would be beneficial for DMC to provide universities with access to disaster management-related data. This initiative would help avoid duplication of effort and reduce costs currently incurred by universities in collecting similar datasets independently.
5. Leadership in Recognizing Disaster Management Qualifications:
   DMC is encouraged to take a leadership role in advocating for the recognition of disaster management-related educational qualifications. This includes emphasizing their importance for recruitment and promotions within DMC and across other relevant organizations, thereby enhancing the professional standards in disaster risk reduction (DRR) practices.

This proposal aims to strengthen collaboration, optimize research efforts, and ensure that disaster management expertise is appropriately recognized, thereby contributing to national disaster resilience.

In conclusion, the workshop saw the active participation of over 60 institutes from various sectors, including relevant authorities, industrial research organizations, training institutes, and implementing organizations. Each contributed valuable suggestions for future actions by the DMC to further enhance disaster risk reduction efforts. The workshop concluded with positive feedback from the DMC, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration and the need for strategic actions to address the challenges identified.