Anticipatory Actions and Disaster Risk Reduction Program – Kalutara District Yatagampitiya Junior School, Yatagampitiya, Bulathsinghala

Yatagampitiya village of Bulathsinghala Divisional Secretariat of Kalutara District is an area prone to natural disasters such as landslides and floods. During the heavy rainfall in 2017-2018, the people of this village suffered a lot due to Heavy floods, and many children who come to study at Yatagampitiya Junior College are residents of this flood prone area.

Therefore, the Second School Program organized by the Provincial Climate Unit of the Western Province to increase the awareness of school children and parents about disaster risk reduction and anticipatory actions to be taken in such a situation was held at Yatagampitiya Junior School, Bulathsinghala, Kalutara District, on 07.11.2024. This program was organized with the intention of educating the people living in high risk prone areas of the province due to impacts of the climate change regarding adaptations to climate impacts and disaster risk reduction.

Participants to the program were made aware on topics such as Impact of climate change, Landslide hazard- risk identification and Mitigation measures, Anticipatory action and Disaster risk Reduction- Preparedness for Evacuation camping and Disaster risk reduction actions- Floods and other disasters.

The panel of Resource personnel contributed to this program comprised of Miss. Ama Dharmakeerithi – A Consultant of Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Mr. Nirosh Dhanushka – Kalutara District Officer of the National Building Research Institute, Mr. Nimal Silva – Program Officer of Sri Lanka Red Cross and Mr. Udaya Lankeshwara of Kalutara District Disaster Management Unit.

In emergency situations, Yatagampitiya Junior College premises is used as a center for setting up camps for the displaced people of the area. Therefore, with the concurrence of the Provincial Climate Board, and in collaboration with the stakeholders of the unit; The Provincial Climate Unit of the Western Province plans to provide the necessary guidance and support for disaster mitigation measures in connection with Yatagampitiya Village and the Junior College premises area.