The US Government, through the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), donated vital equipment to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) via the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) aiming to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparedness for climate-related emergencies.
This consignment, part of a broader US $2.5 million (Rs. 760 million) USAID-funded WFP project, complements government efforts to improve its disaster risk management capacities.
The consignment, comprising submersible water pumps, kitchen sets, chainsaws, polysack bags, and tarpaulins, was handed over at an event by, USAID BHA’s Regional Humanitarian Advisor for South and Central Asia Dustin Shiau to Director General of the DMC Major General (Rtd) Udaya Herath, alongside officials from the Sri Lankan Government and WFP.
Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy to Sri Lanka Doug Sonnek said, “Helping save lives, protect property, and reduce the impact of disasters on populations are at the core of US humanitarian disaster response efforts in Sri Lanka and worldwide.
The United States through USAID has been working with Sri Lanka’s disaster management authorities to augment their preparations to prevent and mitigate disasters and their impact on at-risk populations – a critical first step in the disaster management process. Our support to disaster preparedness reflects the values of the American people and the continued strong partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka to ensure critically needed assistance reaches the most vulnerable during their times of need.”
“Effective preparedness is critical in saving lives and livelihoods and preventing hazards from turning into disasters,” WFP Sri Lanka’s Representative and Country Director Abdur Rahim Siddiqui said. “As climate change intensifies, our efforts are channelled towards mitigating its impact to safeguard people and their access to food and nutrition. We are grateful for the continued support from the United States in strengthening Sri Lanka’s ability to better prepare for climate shocks,” Siddiqui said.
