Dynamic Cyclone Risk in Sri Lanka: Insights from Cyclone Ditwah  (2025)

Sri Lanka is experiencing an increasing trend of disasters for few decades like many other countries in  the world. Number of affected people and properties damaged by disasters like tsunami, WMSB floods,  landslides and droughts within past few decades are significant. Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act  which isthe basic law of disaster management mechanism in the country is not strong enough to manage  increasing disaster risk through the government stakeholder agencies because of no specified and  mandated roles and responsibilities for stakeholder agencies by the act or any other rules and  regulations. Although the National Council for Disaster Management (NCDM) and the Disaster  Management Centre (DMC) has taken some initiatives for disaster management through various  stakeholder agencies at national, district, divisional and local level, still it remains to identify the level  of disaster risk in the country at community level based on scientific method. All the mitigation and  preparedness projects should be identified and implemented based on the level of risk according to the  priority. Disaster management is a multidisciplinary approach and all the stakeholders should be  assigned their duties by rules and regulations. The objective of the study was to identify the gaps of  government mechanism of Sri Lanka in managing disasters and to find better initiatives of some other  countries. Primary and secondary data were used for the study and descriptive analysis was done to  find the results. KEYWORDS: Disaster management, Stakeholders, Roles and

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Dynamic Cyclone Risk in Sri Lanka: Insights from Cyclone Ditwah (2025)

Sri Lanka is experiencing an increasing trend of disasters for few decades like many other countries in the world. Number of affected people and properties damaged by disasters like tsunami, WMSB floods, landslides and droughts within past few decades are significant. Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act which isthe basic law of disaster management mechanism in the country is not strong enough to manage increasing disaster risk through the government stakeholder agencies because of no specified and mandated roles and responsibilities for stakeholder agencies by the act or any other rules and regulations. Although the National Council for Disaster Management (NCDM) and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has taken some initiatives for disaster management through various stakeholder agencies at national, district, divisional and local level, still it remains to identify the level of disaster risk in the country at community level based on scientific method. All the mitigation and preparedness projects should be identified and implemented based on the level of risk according to the priority. Disaster management is a multidisciplinary approach and all the stakeholders should be assigned their duties by rules and regulations. The objective of the study was to identify the gaps of government mechanism of Sri Lanka in managing disasters and to find better initiatives of some other countries. Primary and secondary data were used for the study and descriptive analysis was done to find the results. KEYWORDS: Disaster management, Stakeholders, Roles and

URI: http://repository.rjt.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8327

Date: 2025-01

Abstract:

This study investigates the evolving dynamics of cyclone risk in Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah (2025). Drawing on secondary data sources, published reports, and existing scholarly literature, the research examines the physical drivers, spatial distribution, and socio-economic consequences associated with the event. The analysis reveals a notable shift in cyclone-related hazards in Sri Lanka, where impacts are increasingly driven by extreme rainfall, widespread flooding, and landslides, rather than by wind damage alone. This transition highlights the growing influence of hydro meteorological factors in shaping disaster outcomes. The study further assesses the level of societal preparedness by evaluating early warning mechanisms, evacuation procedures, and institutional response capacities. While Sri Lanka demonstrates considerable progress in disaster management, particularly in forecasting and emergency coordination, several gaps remain in terms of local-level responsiveness, infrastructure resilience, and community awareness. These limitations contribute to uneven vulnerability across regions and populations. The findings suggest that broader climatic variability, including changing ocean–atmospheric conditions, is contributing to the intensification and unpredictability of cyclone-related risks. In this context, the study underscores the importance of adopting integrated and adaptive disaster risk management approaches that go beyond traditional frameworks. Strengthening multi-hazard preparedness, enhancing community-based resilience, and incorporating climate informed planning are identified as key priorities for reducing future risks. Overall, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how cyclone risk is transforming in Sri Lanka under changing environmental and socio-economic conditions.

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