Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
National Policy on Disaster Management
Ministry of Disaster Management
February 2013
Table of Contents
1. Preamble 01
2. Vision, Mission and Objectives 02
3. Regulatory and Institutional Framework for Disaster Management 02
4. Guiding Principles for Disaster Management 03
5. National Disaster Management Policy statements 04
6. National Strategies for Disaster Management 05
6.1 Governance
6.2 Mitigation
6.3 Preparedness
6.4 Emergency Operations and Response
6.5 Relief and Early Recovery
6.6 Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
7. Provisions for revision 09
National Policy for Disaster Management in Sri Lanka
1. Preamble
The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26th, 2004 highlighted the need for a systematic approach
to disaster management in Sri Lanka. The recommendations of the Parliament Select Committee
(PSC) on Natural Disasters (2005) which was convened immediately after and the Disaster
Management Act No 13 of 2005 (DM Act) provided the basis for the current disaster management
approach. The PSC Report and the DM Act require the formulation of a national disaster
management policy.
Sri Lanka is known to be impacted by multiple hazards including floods, landslides, cyclones,
droughts, rock falls, land subsidence, earth tremors, storm surges, coastal floods, coastal erosion,
salinity intrusion, forest fires, high winds, tornadoes etc. More localized hazards such as lightning
strikes, epidemics and hazards related to environmental pollution are also prevalent. In addition to
natural hazards, the country is also exposed to a number of human induced hazards such as
industrial accidents, urban fires, technological emergencies, major accidents involving use and
transport of chemical/ hazardous material, climate change impacts.
Frequency of occurrence of natural disasters is in an increasing trend, which may be attributed
mainly to un-planned development, environmental degradation, human intervention and climatic
changes etc. Disasters have the potential to takes away the hard earned development gains and
especially the vulnerable groups finds it difficult to recover from disaster impacts. As such poverty
reduction initiatives need to include disaster reduction measures.
Management of disasters requires in-depth understanding of hazards, causes and ways and means of
minimizing disaster risks and active engagement of multiple agencies and stakeholders. In this
context, managing disasters requires a concerted and coordinated national approach in line with
global principles and initiatives such as the five point priority actions in the Hyogo Framework for
Action (HFA) 2005- 2015 including partnerships.
Accordingly, the National Disaster Management Policy of Sri Lanka has been formulated to ensure
the sustainability and resilience of the nation.
2. Vision, Mission and Objectives of Disaster Management in Sri Lanka:
Vision :
"Towards a Safer Sri Lanka"
Mission:
"Effective disaster management for safety and resilience of lives and properties"
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The Objectives
To achieve sustainable and resilient disaster management through:
i. Appropriate institutional, legal and implementation mechanisms;
ii. Informed, scientific, multi-hazard risk reduction approaches mainstreamed in
development and reconstruction based on national priorities.
iii. Participatory, multi-agency, multi-stakeholder engagement in line with national and
international standards for effective disaster relief and response
3 Regulatory and Institutional Framework for Disaster Management
3.1 Disaster Management Act
Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No.13 of 2005 provides for the coordination at the highest
executive level, establishment of the institutional framework for disaster management including
the National Council for Disaster Management (NCDM), Disaster Management Centre (DMC)
and elaborates powers and functions of the institution. The Act also recognizes the cross-cutting
nature of disaster management. Act empowers HE the President to declare state of disaster.
3.2 National Council for Disaster Management
National Council for Disaster Management, chaired by HE the President includes the Leader of
Opposition, Ministers in charge of subjects listed in the Act, Chief Ministers of Provinces, five
Members of Parliament representing opposition appointed by the Speaker of Parliament. The
NCDM provides guidance and monitors the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
3.3 Ministry of Disaster Management
Ministry for Disaster Management was established in December 2005 and in January 2006 the
function of Human Rights was added. The National Building Research Organisation and
Department of Meteorology were placed under the Ministry of Disaster Management and
Human Rights. In 2010 ministry was renamed as Ministry of Disaster Management and
functions as the secretariat of the NCDM.
3.4 National Disaster Management Policy
Parliament Select Committee on Natural Disaster (2005) recommended (PSC recommendations
were made after the enactment of DM act) and the Disaster Management Act provided the
mandate for the development of national policy.
3.5 National level co-ordination
In the event of a major disaster National Council for Disaster Management coordinates with all
ministries and agencies responding to disaster and provides guidance.
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The ministry in 2007 established the National Disaster Management Coordinating Committee
(NDMCC) as the national platform, in line with HFA, to coordinate activities of stakeholder
agencies in disaster management Sector.
3.6 Sub National level co-ordination
Sub national coordination at Provincial, District, Divisional, Local Government and
village/community levels is facilitated by line ministries and national agencies through
provincial and district administrations. Members of the NDMCC coordinate at appropriate levels
with the guidance and assistance provided by the government.
4.0 Guiding Principles
4.1. Relief
Discourage continuous dependency on disaster relief.
4.2 Equity and Equality
Recognize that all affected people have the right to receive disaster assistance regardless of race,
gender, religion, social status.
Maintain equity in resource distribution during a disaster based on the severity and the
vulnerability. Priority should be given to more vulnerable groups such as children, differently
abled disabled, senior citizens and women etc.
4.3 Transparency and Accountability
Ensure that service delivery agencies implement progarmmes and projects in a transparent and
accountable manner with respect to need identification, resource mobilization, fund
management and equitable service delivery covering all those who are in need.
4.4 Participation and Right to access information
Recognize the right of disaster prone communities to participate and contribute in decision
making processes related to DRR and response.
National and sub national Institutions should ensure provision of information and active
participation of communities and stakeholders in decision making processes.
Recognize the right of stakeholders and the general public to receive information on services,
facilities to re- establish their lives after a disaster event such as documentation, insurance, ID
etc,.
4.5 Quality Service Delivery
Services provided by agencies conform to national quality standards as stipulated by relevant
authorities including reliability, accuracy, clarity and timeliness.
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4.6 Legitimacy of service delivery agencies
Only legitimate entities cleared by national security authorities and relevant government
institutions will be authorized to engage in the delivery of services. Accept the cross cutting
nature of the subject of disaster management and the need to recognize and empower relevant
sector agencies to safeguard the lives and properties.
4.7 Collective Responsibility
Government, non-government, private, academic, media and other organizations and
individuals are required and be responsible to adopt coordinated, collective, consultative and
synergistic approaches in disaster management initiatives while complying with national policy
directives.
5.0 National Disaster Management Policy Statements
5.1 Governance on Disaster Management
People should be aware of the potential hazards to which they are exposed, their vulnerability
and capacity to respond based on preparedness
5.1.1 Disaster Management will accept principles of good governance through participatory,
transparent, accountable decisions making at all levels.
5.1.2 Disaster Management policies, legislations and regulations will meet the emerging needs
and minimize the impacts of disasters on people, economy, infrastructure and the
environment.
5.1.3 DM initiatives will comprise planned, multi-agency and participatory approaches
5.1.4 Public Private Partnerships in disaster management will be encouraged
5.1.5 Disaster Management subject at all levels to be managed by trained, professional staff
having access to state of the art knowledge.
5.1.6 Plans and programmes in Disaster Management reflect national and international
commitments
5.1.7 All formal and informal education systems will contribute to strengthen and mainstream
concepts of Disaster Management.
5.1.8 Comprehensive and reliable information and data systems to support Disaster
Management will be established and made accessible to the public and all other
stakeholders.
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5.1.9 Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) to be accepted as a tool for
disaster risk reduction at local level.
5.1.10 Early Warning messages generated by designated agency for a specific hazard will be
accurate, clear and concise and issued by a single authorized agency as a unified message
covering all potential vulnerable areas.
5.1.11 Specific concerns of communities including gender, special needs, vulnerabilities and
capacities will be addressed in all stages of the disaster management cycle.
5.2 Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR) to be mainstreamed into overall planning and development
5.2.1 Development projects and initiative will accommodate inter-linkages among disasters,
poverty and development and DRR measures will be based on comprehensive risk analysis
studies.
5.2.2 Potential impacts of Climate Change on disaster risks will be addressed.
5.2.3 Indigenous knowledge and material to mitigate impacts of hazards including climate
change will be promoted.
5.3 Early Warning and Emergency Response systems will be in place at national, regional, local
and community level to minimize the loss of lives, injury to human population and damage to
properties due to disasters
5.4 A balanced approach to be adopted for risk management, planning, preparedness, post-disaster
relief, recovery and mitigation
5.5 "Built back Better" principles will be promoted in reconstruction and rehabilitation
programmes
5.6 Needs of victims of disasters will be addressed as per national and international guidelines.
5.7 Development of tools and methods for scientific research in DRR will be promoted and
supported.
5.8 Civil societies and private sector organizations involved in risk reduction, disaster mitigation,
relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction should obtain the consent of the relevant ministry prior
to engaging in such activities.
6.0 National Strategies for Disaster Management
6.1 Governence
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6.1.1 A bi- partisan Council with the technical contribution from professional bodies and
individuals to provide the vision and guidance for effective disaster management.
6.1.2 A coordination mechanism involving all stakeholders to be in place at national and sub-
national levels to ensure synergy and minimum duplication of activities
6.1.3 A mechanism to evaluate impacts of DRR investments by agencies in terms of minimizing
damages and losses.
6.1.4 Institutional and legal systems to ensure preparedness, response, relief, recovery and
mitigation in an effective manner.
6.1.5 For disaster risk assessment and management, ministries are encouraged to adopt
community based consultative approaches.
6.1.6 The acts, policies, regulations and guidelines relating to Disaster Management should be
reviewed periodically and amended to address the emerging needs
6.1.7 Strengthen state agencies related to Disaster Management with sufficient legal mandate,
institutional capacity and ICT systems.
6.1.8 Disaster Management Planning to be based on multi -hazard maps, risk assessment and state
of the art tools and methods
6.1.9 International norms, standards and guidelines in Disaster Management to be consulted and
adopted where applicable to Sri Lanka.
6.1.10 Encourage innovative use of private sector Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs
to reduce social vulnerability.
6.1.11 Land use, involuntary resettlements and rehabilitation criteria to promote DRR should be in
line with government policies and guidelines relating to physical planning, resettlements,
local government and other areas.
6.2 Mitigation
6.2.1 Disaster Risk Reduction to be mainstreamed in to the planning and development processes
6.2.2 A mechanism to evaluate potential disaster impacts of projects in relation to all public and
private sector investments.
6.2.3 Enable an environment to promote risk transfer and risk sharing
6.2.4 Promote the incorporation of DRR into planning and implementation of rural, urban, and
regional development initiatives.
6.2.5 Incorporate DRR concepts and development control processes for construction in hazard
prone areas.
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6.2.6 Appropriate guidelines for identification of land use practices for hazard prone areas
including plans and strategies to relocate potentially vulnerable populations
6.2.7 Update multi -hazard profiles, vulnerability and risk assessment at regular intervals.
6.2.8 Promote the use of space technology for damage assessment, disaster response and
development of hazard maps
6.2.9 A system of certification to be adopted for construction and other industries to ensure
implementation of regulatory requirements in respect of disaster risk reduction.
6.2.10 Promote research programmes on disaster management and climate change adaptation
including traditional methods and approaches
6.3 Preparedness
6.3.1 Develop strategic tools and approaches such as a National Disaster Management Plan and a
National Emergency Operation Plan for Sri Lanka.
6.3.2 Stakeholders to be made aware of potential hazards, their vulnerability, accessing early
warning, response mechanisms and to be made confident in taking appropriate and timely
action based on preparedness plans.
6.3.3 Ministries and government agencies will be equipped with Disaster Preparedness and
Response Plans
6.3.4 All public and private sector business continuity plans to incorporate options to sustain
operations during and after disaster situations.
6.3.5 Promote training programs to build the capacity for disaster preparedness and response.
6.3.6 Efforts to promote primary first aid, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) and other
emergency techniques, among citizens
6.3.7 Academic institutions will be encouraged to implement academic programs to strengthen
the capacity of professionals in disaster management.
6.3.8 Educational institutions will enter into strategic partnerships for integrating disaster
management in curricula in schools, technical colleges and universities.
6.3.9 Capacity of media personnel to be enhanced to support different aspects of disaster
management.
6.3.10 Early Warning communications should be accurate, timely, clear, concise and initiated by
designated agencies. Early Warning dissemination shall be done by a single designated
agency.
6.3.11 Public should be confident of the accuracy, timing, advices related to Early Warning and
follow guidelines.
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6.4 Emergency Operations and Response
6.4.1 Access to emergency services should be made available at national and sub national levels
on 24/7 basis through Emergency Operations Centers, Call Centers and other mechanisms.
6.4.2 Disaster Management agencies will be timely activated and effectively coordinated by using
Standard Operation Procedures (SOP).
6.4.3 Search and rescue capacity for different types of disasters will be developed.
6.4.4 During emergency situations national security, immigration and emigration, international
assistance and quality of goods and services are ensured through efficient coordination by
qualified/trained staff.
6.4.5 International linkages will be established, fostered and maintained to ensure the services of
Disaster Management professionals and knowledge shared across borders.
6.4.6 Medical assistance made available to all needy people and steps will be taken to prevent
post disaster health hazards, including identification and proper disposal of dead bodies.
6.4.7 A system is available to provide information on victims of disaster, internally displaced,
missing persons, damaged and lost properties and reunion of families.
6.4.8 Service agencies will take immediate action to revive the affected public utilities to restart
essential services damaged and destroyed due to disasters.
6.5 Relief and Early recovery
6.5.1 Immediate food, water & sanitation, medical, counseling assistance, shelter, clothing and
other needs are provided adequately and in a timely manner.
6.5.2 Relief operations will be in line with internationally accepted standards, procedures and
facilities
6.5.3 Facilities to provide continuous education will be arranged
6.5.4 Documentation services for affected will be provided during early recovery period
6.5.5 Speedy recovery of the disrupted livelihoods of affected communities ensured through
timely and adequate assistance.
6.5.6 Establish systems to provide search and rescue services, security to safe places and
properties of displaced persons and support to people with special needs
6.5.7 Declaration of state of disaster should be used to address operational constrains, facilitate
risk reduction and to provide assistance to affected and displace people
6.5.8 Provision of houses in safe locations will be given priority if relocation is required.
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6.5.9 In case of an extended stay in safe places steps will be taken to provide additional services
beyond immediate relief until the resettlement process is completed.
6.6 Recovery, Resettlement and Rehabilitation
6.6.1 Ensure appropriate guidelines are available for identification of lands for resettlement of
people living in disaster prone areas
6.6.2 Systems to support reconstruction/repair, replacement of damaged properties, and other
recovery needs are available through government, private sector agencies and civil society
organizations including risk transfer mechnisms.
6.6.3 Continued counseling services will be ensured to address post disaster related trauma and
other psychological needs of affected persons.
6.6.4 Appropriate steps will be taken to address recovery needs of commercial establishments
with particular attention on private establishments to ensure uninterrupted operations.
6.6.5 NGOs/ Civil Society Organizations will be encouraged to rehabilitate public and private
infrastructures and properties damaged due to disasters.
6.6.6 “Build-Back-Better” principle will be applied in all cases of rehabilitation and
reconstruction programs.
7.0 Provisions for revision
Policy will be reviewed after every five years or after occurrence a major disaster event
and updated to suit the emerging needs.
