12 September 2014,  Colombo, Sri Lanka: Vavuniya The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), in partnership with four cities, the Municipal Council of Akkaraipattu, Urban Councils of Vavuniya and Mannar and the Pradeshiya Sabha of Maritimepattu (Mullaitivu), will officially launch the Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Plan for each city on Monday, 15th September.

The Plans have been developed with Australian government funding. The Minister of Disaster Management, Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera will be the Chief Guest at the event and the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Ms Robyn Mudie, will be the Guest of Honour.

The Project has a primary focus of establishing sustainable, disaster resilient and healthy cities and townships in disaster prone cities in Sri Lanka’s North and East.

The Plans enable city authorities to identify disaster risk reduction strategies. Prepared in close collaboration with all stakeholders, the Plans have been developed by conducting a comprehensive analysis of background information including baseline assessments, technical studies and vulnerability and risk assessments. The project has been implemented by UN-Habitat in close collaboration with the University of Moratuwa, Urban Development Authority, Disaster Management Centre, Department of Irrigation and the Local Authorities and communities of the four cities.

The Government of Australia has provided funding of US$ 2.1 Million to UN-Habitat to initiate Disaster Risk Reduction programmes in Sri Lanka, including four previously assisted cities of Ratnapura, Balangoda, Batticaloa and Kalmunai.