February 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka took a major step forward in its recovery from Cyclone Ditwah with the completion of the official validation and finalisation workshop for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, held yesterday (09) at the BMICH in Colombo, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The high-level forum, presided over by Defence Secretary retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, served as the concluding platform to confirm findings compiled over months of technical analysis and inter-agency coordination.
The assessment process, launched in November last year, examined the cyclone’s toll on communities, infrastructure and essential public services across affected regions.
Officials described the workshop as a turning point in the country’s transition from emergency response to structured recovery and reconstruction. Sector specialists and policymakers reviewed data, fine-tuned estimates and aligned priorities ahead of the release of the final PDNA report, which is expected to guide national recovery planning and investment.
In his keynote remarks, the Defence Secretary emphasised that the assessment would underpin a more resilient and forward-looking recovery. He said the data-driven approach, carried out under the direction of the Presidential Task Force for Rebuilding Sri Lanka, allows authorities to adopt a coordinated strategy rooted in risk reduction and the internationally recognised “Build Back Better” framework.
He praised the National Planning Department and the Disaster Management Centre for jointly leading what he described as a demanding and time-sensitive exercise, and acknowledged the contribution of international partners.
Technical and financial backing from the World Bank, European Union, Asian Development Bank and United Nations agencies, he noted, had helped ensure the assessment met global standards and reflected ground realities.
The Defence Secretary also recognised the efforts of technical experts and district-level officials who gathered sector-specific data despite logistical and operational challenges in cyclone-hit areas. Reaffirming his ministry’s commitment, he said the implementation of the PDNA recommendations would be treated as a national priority.
A wide range of stakeholders attended the workshop, including senior officials from the Presidential Task Force, representatives of multilateral development banks, UN agencies, line ministries and key government institutions. The gathering underscored the emphasis being placed on collective action and sustained partnerships to help Sri Lanka recover more safely and robustly from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
