Financial Times - Private sector can play key role in disaster management

The private sector has considerable influence in civil society and can play a key role in disaster management, according to Minister of Disaster Management, Mahinda Samarasinghe.

Speaking at the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) Key Persons' Forum recently on “Disaster management was a foreign concept to us until the tsunami in 2004," he said disaster management which includes prevention, mitigation, response and recovery of natural disasters and human rights are inextricably linked.

The underlying causes of manmade disasters such as civil war and religious conflict need to be recognized and dealt with. "The legitimate aspirations of the public living in these affected areas have to be addressed," he said adding that investment cannot be disturbed by political instability.

The need for a more conducive environment for businesses should prompt the private sector into pressuring politicians for a solution to the political crisis and to address the grievances of the people in the conflict areas.

Almost two years down the road since the tsunami, he feels the country is in a better place but that investment would greatly benefit if people knew companies were equipped to handle natural or manmade disasters.

The Disaster Management Act, passed in December 2004 was the first step towards establishing legislation giving specific responsibilities to institutions.

The apex body is a Disaster Management Council headed by President Mahinda Rajapakse which also comprises opposition members.

"This is a national issue to be prepared for disaster," said Samarasinghe, emphasizing the need for cooperation across party lines.

The Disaster Management Centre was also created under the Ministry as well as a 10-year road map on disaster management, formed in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance & Planning to ensure budgetary provisions are in place for its implementation next year.

Mobilising the community through volunteerism is necessary, the minister said, suggesting that this would transcend cultural and religious divides.

The private sector can play a vital role in training the community to be first responders in the event of a catastrophe.

The Ministry is working on several proposals including an early warning tsunami system with plans to construct warning towers along the coastline by December 26 this year, around the clock emergency operation centre with links to essential services and a central national data collection centre, all part of the implementation of the road map.

There are already district level disaster management teams disseminating information and mapping evacuation routes.

The minister stressed that provincial councils, district secretaries and local authorities must play a key role if these initiatives are to be successful.

There are also plans to make 26 December National Safety Day in remembrance of the tsunami and the ongoing efforts to ensure preparedness in the event of another catastrophe.

"I think we have done more than anyone expected in a short period of time," Samarasinghe concluded.