By: Staff Writer
December 13, Colombo (LNW): The launch of Sri Lanka’s GeoAI for Disaster Resilience initiative reflects a growing recognition that climate-driven disasters require smarter, faster and more coordinated responses. Unveiled weeks after Cyclone Ditwah left a trail of destruction across the island, the programme represents a strategic pivot toward data-driven disaster preparedness.
Cyclone Ditwah, which displaced communities, damaged infrastructure and slowed economic recovery, exposed long-standing weaknesses in forecasting, coordination and emergency response. Against this backdrop, the new GeoAI initiative seeks to harness Artificial Intelligence and spatial data to bridge these gaps.
Speaking at the launch, project leaders emphasised that technology alone cannot prevent disasters, but it can dramatically reduce their human and economic costs. GeoAI Project Lead Dr. Novil Wijesekara said the goal is to embed intelligence into every stage of disaster management from early warning and evacuation planning to post-disaster recovery.
The programme’s design places strong emphasis on capacity-building. More than 125 university students will receive advanced training in GIS-based hazard mapping, predictive analytics and drone data interpretation. Officials say empowering young people with these skills is essential for building long-term national resilience.
University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka highlighted the role of youth in rebuilding the country after recent disasters. He said young Sri Lankans are already carrying much of the burden of recovery and that equipping them with advanced technological skills will strengthen national preparedness.
International cooperation is also central to the initiative. US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne A. Howell reaffirmed Washington’s support, describing the programme as an investment in Sri Lanka’s safer future. She noted that improved early-warning systems and coordinated emergency responses benefit not only communities but also long-term development.
Government officials believe GeoAI can transform how institutions work together during crises. Digital Economy Ministry representatives stressed that integrated data platforms will improve coordination and speed up decisions when minutes can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
As climate events intensify across South Asia, Sri Lanka’s move toward AI-powered disaster management signals a broader shift from responding after disasters strike to preparing intelligently before they do.
