The Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRMP) Sri Lanka has successfully launched a national initiative titled “GeoAI for Disaster Resilience,” aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to disasters using advanced geospatial and artificial intelligence technologies.
The launch and sensitization event, held in Colombo, brought together over 80 officials, technical experts, and students from key national agencies, including the Disaster Management Centre, National Disaster Relief Services Centre, Department of Meteorology, National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Irrigation Department, Ministry of Health, the Tri-Forces, Sri Lanka Police, major telecommunications partners, private-sector innovators, community organizations, academia, and the media.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Ms. Jayne A. Howell, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, stating that Sri Lanka has the opportunity to lead the region in disaster resilience by embracing innovation, investing in people, and using GeoAI to turn risk into readiness. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that U.S. innovation and Sri Lankan leadership are coming together to build a safer, more resilient future.
Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, Waruna Sri Dhanapala, underlined the convergence of technology, governance, and resilience, stating that artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital public infrastructure are now central to protecting lives, livelihoods, and national stability.
Guest of Honour Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, highlighted the critical role of young people in disaster response, noting that the youth of the country stepped forward voluntarily and passionately during crises, and asserting that the future of disaster resilience belongs to them.
Conceptualized by U.S. State Department alumni Dr. Novil Wijesekara and Dr. Aslam Saja, the initiative is implemented by the Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals, with support from the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and in collaboration with the University of Colombo.
