Strengthening Post-Disaster Recovery Cooperation: Ambassador of Thailand Meets Executive Director of ADPC

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe had a meeting with Mr. Aslam Perwaiz, Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) at the ADPC premises, to discuss continued cooperation in post-disaster recovery and long-term resilience building in Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. During the meeting, H.E. the Ambassador expressed her sincere appreciation for the timely technical and monetary assistance extended by ADPC in response to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across several parts of Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ambassador formally handed over a Letter of Acknowledgement from Hon. H M Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka to the Executive Director of ADPC, conveying the Government of Sri Lanka’s appreciation for ADPC’s support and solidarity.

The Ambassador further highlighted that the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) of Sri Lanka has identified ADPC as a potential strategic partner to strengthen the country’s recovery efforts and enhance long-term disaster resilience. She elaborated that in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, significant landslide-related damages have been reported in several districts, including Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya, involving ground movement, land subsidence, and structural damage to housing and infrastructure.

In this context, the Ambassador noted that NBRO has sought international assistance to mobilize global expertise, particularly in advanced landslide risk assessment, including the application of remote sensing technologies, drone-based analysis, and satellite imagery, with a view to strengthening early warning systems, hazard mapping, and mitigation planning in vulnerable areas.

Accepting the Letter of Acknowledgement, Mr. Aslam Perwaiz, Executive Director of ADPC expressed his appreciation for the recognition extended by the Government of Sri Lanka. He conveyed his satisfaction that Sri Lankan Government institutions are working tirelessly and in close coordination to rebuild the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Reaffirming ADPC’s commitment, he assured continued support to the Government of Sri Lanka in its recovery and resilience-building efforts.

The Executive Director further informed that ADPC is engaging with its member countries and partners to explore avenues for additional technical cooperation and assistance to support Sri Lanka’s rebuilding process, particularly in strengthening disaster risk reduction and preparedness mechanisms.

During her visit to ADPC, the Ambassador also held a brief discussion on potential collaboration between Sri Lanka and ADPC with the First Chairman of the ADPC Board of Trustees, Professor Dr. Krasae Chanawongse, who was pleased to welcome the Ambassador to the premises.

The meeting was attended on behalf of ADPC by Dr. Senaka Basnayake, Program Lead/ Climate Services, Mr. Weerapon Sripongchai, Manager/Office of the Executive Director and Ms. Luckshi Ranasinghe, Program Coordinator/Disaster and Climate Innovation and by Ms. Thilini Ihalage, Minister Counsellor/Head of Chancery, and Group Captain Vajira Sampath Jayakoddy, Defence Attaché of the Embassy.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

08 January 2026