AI technology for disaster resilience explored
– The Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRMP) Sri Lanka successfully launched a national initiative titled “GeoAI for Disaster Resilience”, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s capacity to predict, prepare for, and respond to disasters using cutting-edge geospatial and artificial intelligence technologies.
The launch and sensitization event, held in Colombo, brought together over 80 officials, technical experts, and students representing 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-based 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:“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 further emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting:“This initiative reflects the power of partnership, where U.S. innovation and Sri Lankan leadership come together to build a safer, more resilient future for all.”
Addressing the gathering, Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, underscored the convergence of technology, governance, and resilience, stating:“Disaster resilience and the digital economy are no longer separate agendas. Artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital public infrastructure are now central to protecting lives, livelihoods, and national stability.”
Highlighting the critical role of young people in disaster response and recovery, Guest of Honour Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, remarked:
“This disaster showed us something powerful: it was the youth of this country who came forward in their thousands, voluntarily and passionately. 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 Sri Lanka and in collaboration with the University of Colombo.
