Abstract:
In every year, thousands of people either lose their lives or are fatally affected due to various disasters. Disasters like floods, tsunamies, tropical cyclones, landslides, rockslides, transport accidents, fires, rarely earthquakes can be identified as more acquainted disasters when considering the Sri Lankan context. Very often natural disasters cannot be avoided. However, we can manage those situations effectively. Ministry of Disaster management fulfills the need for a disaster management authority in Sri Lanka. Under this Ministry, Disaster Management Center holds the main contribution to the disaster management process in the whole country. When looking at current disaster management status in Sri Lanka, Preparedness phase (activities prior to a disaster) and Response phase (activities during a disaster) activities are still developing and not in required level. Therefore, early warning systems have been identified as an urgent requirement. Literature also highlights the need for an effective emergency communications system within a disastrous situation.
