An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Implementing Public Awareness, Education and Training Programmes as a Risk Reduction Strategy in Disaster Management in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The frequency and intensity of natural hazards have been multiplied during the past few decades in Sri Lanka and have destroyed millions of human lives and properties. There is a high probability of a disaster increase in the coming years due to climate change. Potential risk of any disaster could be minimised if there is an effective risk reduction strategy. Such a strategy should focus on a community-based approach through educational and public awareness programmes which could be considered as an effective tool in building the people’s capacity to cope with disaster risks and reducing vulnerability. In order to reduce the potential risk of disasters, the government of Sri Lanka has prepared a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Framework in 2005, known as ‘Towards a Safer Sri Lanka: Road Map for Disaster Risk Management’. The framework consists of seven strategies for disaster risk management. The seventh strategy of the framework focuses on public awareness, education and training programmes which are increasingly considered the most effective way of disaster risk reduction. The main objectives of this study are (1) to identify what the implemented programmes of public awareness, education and training are, (2) to examine how those programmes were implemented, (3) to identify the main problems and difficulties encountered upon the implementation of these programmes and (4) to propose guidelines for improving the implementation of the programmes. A qualitative approach has been utilised in order to answer the research questions of the study. Both primary and secondary data were employed as part of data collection. Observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted by selected officers who are involved in the implementation of the programmes. As secondary data sources, available plans, related documents, Disaster Management Act in Sri Lanka, annual reports and publications of the Disaster Management Centre and other documents of the Ministry of Disaster Management in Sri Lanka were utilised. Content analysis and thematic analysis with substantial descriptions were employed in analysing the data. The findings of the study reveal that most of the sub-strategies under the public education and training strategy have been implemented except few activities. It has also been found that several difficulties at the implementation are still remaining that need to be addressed immediately in order to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the programmes.