Asia Pacific Alliance – Sri Lanka

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A-PAD SL International Symposium Report 2025

Feb 18, 2026

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Exploring the Evolving Humanitarian Landscape: University of Copenhagen Students Visit A-PAD SL

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Sharpening skills to save lives. 🌊 A-PAD Swift Wa

Sharpening skills to save lives. 🌊

A-PAD Swift Water Search and Rescue teams completed an IRB Refresher Training on 04.02.2026, strengthening readiness for fast-moving flood emergencies.

Prepared. Trained. Ready to respond.

#APADSL #SwiftWaterRescue #IRBTraining #DisasterResponse #Preparedness HumanitarianAction

Reviving Education: Post Cyclone “Ditwah” After

Reviving Education: Post Cyclone “Ditwah”

After Cyclone Ditwah, children lost more than school supplies—they lost routine, stability, and a sense of normalcy. As families worked to rebuild their lives, education risked being left behind.

Through our partnership with HSBC, A-PAD Sri Lanka delivered school bags and essential learning materials to children in some of the most affected and hard-to-reach communities, ensuring they could return to school prepared and confident.

Reviving education means restoring dignity, hope, and a child’s right to learn. 🎒📚

#revivingeducation #apadsl #educationinemergencies #humanitarianaction #cycloneditwah

Restoring safe drinking water access after Cyclone

Restoring safe drinking water access after Cyclone Ditwah. 💧

In response to urgent water needs in flood-affected areas in Karuwalgaswewa, Puttalam, A-PAD Sri Lanka engaged in a targeted distribution of family and community water filtration units, helping households and shared community spaces regain reliable access to safe drinking water during the recovery phase.

The intervention was made possible through water filters donated by Aquabox and logistical support from Airlink, enabling timely delivery to affected communities. Alongside distribution, A-PAD SL conducted demonstrations and guidance on proper use and maintenance to support sustained access to clean water and strengthen preparedness for future disruptions. We also appreciate the facilitation extended by DMC and NDRSC in supporting coordination on the ground.

Through strong partnerships and field engagement, A-PAD SL’s response contributed to protecting public health, easing daily hardship, and reinforcing community resilience in the aftermath of the floods.

#APADSL #safewater #humanitarianactiom #partnershipsinaction

When disaster strikes, compassion becomes action.

When disaster strikes, compassion becomes action. Families affected by Cyclone Ditwah urgently require:

1. Emergency Food Packs
2. Hygiene Kits (Female / Male / Infant)
3. Family Kits
4. Cleaning Supplies
5. Educational Supplies
6. Kitchen Utensil Kits

Your contribution—big or small—helps families who’ve lost nearly everything begin to rebuild 💪🏽

A-PAD Sri Lanka ensures all donations reach the most affected communities with transparency and last-mile delivery.

Thank you for standing with Sri Lanka in this critical moment 🇱🇰

#floodrelief #srilanka #floodresponse #apadsl #earlyrecovery #rebuildsrilanka #cycloneditwah

Citizen-led compassion in action 🙌🏽 In response t

Citizen-led compassion in action 🙌🏽

In response to the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, A-PAD Sri Lanka together with community volunteers delivered 250 home-cooked meal packs to flood-affected families in Dematagoda.

Working closely with the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat and the GN, meals were provided to displaced families at safety centres and those still stranded in flooded streets. Collective action continues to fill urgent gaps where it matters most.

#apadsl #cycloneditwah #floodrelief #communitysupportingcommunity #disasterresponse #HumanitarianAid #srilanka #togetherforresilience

Team A-PAD, along with The Pearl Protectors and Un

Team A-PAD, along with The Pearl Protectors and University of Colombo student volunteers, partnered with the Sirasa–Shakthi Sahana Yathra campaign to prepare dry rations to be delivered to safety centres across Sri Lanka.

Grateful to MTV Networks for leading the way and mobilizing a powerful movement of support through Sahana Yathra.

#APADSL #sirasashakthisahanayathra #newsfirst #sirasatv #gammadda #pearlprotectors #DisasterResponse #CommunityStrength #IslandwideSupport

Grateful to the Lions Club of Borelasgamuwa Metro

Grateful to the Lions Club of Borelasgamuwa Metro for stepping forward with a generous donation of cleaning supplies to A-PAD Sri Lanka. These items will be distributed across safety centres where families are currently seeking shelter.

Maintaining hygiene during displacement is essential — especially in crowded spaces where diseases spread fast. These supplies help protect families and reduce the risk of infections.

Let’s keep supporting this movement of care, safety, and resilience. 💪🏽

#APADSL #DisasterResponse #sanitation #CommunitySupport #floodrelief #togetherwecan

Relentless waters, unwavering response. 🌊🚨 From N

Relentless waters, unwavering response. 🌊🚨

From Nov 28–30, A-PAD SAR teams were deployed in Biyagama amid severe flooding, carrying out critical search and rescue operations. With water levels rising rapidly, volunteer rescuers navigated through high-risk areas, rescuing stranded individuals—including families, factory staff, and vulnerable groups—and ensuring their safe evacuation.

These operations underscore the urgent need for trained volunteer responders during climate-driven emergencies. Proud of our teams who step up when it matters most.

#floodrescue #disasterresponse #apadsl #biyagama #volunteer #srilanka🇱🇰 #climateresilience #savinglivestogether #emergencyresponse

A-PAD Search & Rescue teams in action, rescuing fl

A-PAD Search & Rescue teams in action, rescuing flood-affected families, providing PPE, and transporting victims to safety.

Heroes on the ground saving lives when every second counts.💪🏽

#apadsl #SearchAndRescue #SAR #FloodRelief #EmergencyResponse #DisasterResponse #floodsinsrilanka #staysafe #srilanka

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

6 days ago

Sharpening skills to save lives. 🌊

A-PAD Swift Water Search and Rescue teams completed an IRB Refresher Training on 04.02.2026, strengthening readiness for fast-moving flood emergencies.

Prepared. Trained. Ready to respond.

#APADSL #SwiftWaterRescue #IRBTraining #DisasterResponse #Preparedness HumanitarianAction ... See MoreSee Less

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

1 week ago

Reviving Education: Post Cyclone “Ditwah”

After Cyclone Ditwah, children lost more than school supplies—they lost routine, stability, and a sense of normalcy. As families worked to rebuild their lives, education risked being left behind.

Through our partnership with HSBC, A-PAD Sri Lanka delivered school bags and essential learning materials to children in some of the most affected and hard-to-reach communities, ensuring they could return to school prepared and confident.

Reviving education means restoring dignity, hope, and a child’s right to learn. 🎒📚

#revivingeducation #apadsl #educationinemergencies #humanitarianaction #cycloneditwah ... See MoreSee Less

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

2 weeks ago

Restoring safe drinking water access after Cyclone Ditwah. 💧

In response to urgent water needs in flood-affected areas in Karuwalgaswewa, Puttalam, A-PAD Sri Lanka engaged in a targeted distribution of family and community water filtration units, helping households and shared community spaces regain reliable access to safe drinking water during the recovery phase.

The intervention was made possible through water filters donated by Aquabox and logistical support from Airlink, enabling timely delivery to affected communities. Alongside distribution, A-PAD SL conducted demonstrations and guidance on proper use and maintenance to support sustained access to clean water and strengthen preparedness for future disruptions. We also appreciate the facilitation extended by DMC and NDRSC in supporting coordination on the ground.

Through strong partnerships and field engagement, A-PAD SL’s response contributed to protecting public health, easing daily hardship, and reinforcing community resilience in the aftermath of the floods.

#APADSL #safewater #humanitarianactiom #partnershipsinaction ... See MoreSee Less

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

1 month ago

Japanese Companies in Sri Lanka and A-PAD Sri Lanka Support Communities Affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (JCCISL) , in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) , is supporting relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

JCCISL is an association consisting of over 80 Japanese companies operating in Sri Lanka, with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Colombo office serving as its secretariat.

since 2014, A-PAD SL has been coordinating and supporting disaster preparedness, mitigation, disaster risk reduction, capacity building and relief activities across Sri Lanka, inspired by principles in Japan.

As part of this engagement, JETRO, on behalf of the JCCISL, presented a financial contribution to support ongoing disaster relief efforts. This contribution reflects the strong commitment of Japanese enterprises to stand alongside the people of Sri Lanka and support its resilient and sustainable development.

JETRO and A-PAD SL also discussed with a focus on improving preparedness planning and coordination to support affected areas as well as mitigating risks of Japanese enterprises. A-PAD SL provided updates on its disaster response activities in severely damaged areas like Biyagama, Mutur, Puttalam, and Gampola, as well as plans for interventions based on government-identified needs.

JETRO remains committed to promoting trade and investment by encouraging collaboration between Japanese and local partners. ... See MoreSee Less

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TWITTER

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A trans-national disaster aid alliance working to facilitate cooperation and understanding between governments, private companies and NGOs in Asia Pacific.

A-PAD Sri Lanka @apadlk ·

12 Feb

Sharpening skills to save lives. 🌊

A-PAD Swift Water Search and Rescue teams completed an IRB Refresher Training , strengthening readiness for fast-moving flood emergencies. Prepared. Trained. Ready to respond.

#APADSL #SwiftWaterRescue #DisasterResponse #HumanitarianAction

4

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YOUTUBE

A-PAD Sri Lanka

Experience the highlights of the Joint Indo-Pacific Rope Rescue & Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Training 2025

This video showcases an intensive, hands-on training programme co-hosted by A-PAD in partnership with Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA). From advanced rope rescue systems and shoring to concrete extrication, search technologies, and a full-scale earthquake response simulation, participants were pushed to operate under realistic, high-pressure scenarios.

More than a training, this programme represents a shared commitment to regional cooperation, professional excellence, and saving lives—strengthening disaster preparedness across the Indo-Pacific.

Five days after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, GEA supported by A-PAD International arrived in response to an international call for assistance. In Naypyidaw, a 26-year-old hotel staff member was rescued from the rubble of the Aye Chan Thar Hotel. The survivor was safely evacuated and is reported to be in good health.

Accredited by the United Nations INSARAG and AFAD, GEA is a Turkish search and rescue NGO and has been a close partner of A-PAD since 2016.

Watch the moment the search and rescue team makes first visual contact with the survivor before carrying out the successful evacuation.

#APAD #GEA #rescue #earthquake #myanmar #searchandrescue #savelives #rescuemission

Mr. Firzan Hashim, Country Director of A-PAD Sri Lanka, highlights the critical role of Civil-Military Coordination in Search and Rescue operations.

Check out the highlights from the 2024 Joint Indo-Pacific Region Swift Water and Rope Rescue Training Program, where 14 members of Sri Lanka’s A-PAD Search and Rescue team teamed up with rescue personnel from Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand. Co-hosted by Taiwan’s National Fire Agency and A-PAD, and supported by the Connecting Business Initiative (CBi), this two-week intensive training pushed participants to their limits in some of the most challenging environments.

Led by internationally certified trainers, the program featured rigorous swift water rescue exercises followed by advanced rope rescue techniques, essential for both survival and emergency rescue operations. This hands-on training goes beyond skill-building—it's about strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing disaster preparedness, and ensuring that when the next crisis strikes, our teams are ready to respond, together.

Watch the future of rescue operations unfold in action!

Reflecting on the past, confronting the present, and shaping the future. This powerful video shown at our symposium captures the devastating impact of the 2004 tsunami and highlights the journey towards resilience and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka held its annual international symposium under the theme "Turning the Tide: 20 Years of Tsunami Readiness and Resilience" to commemorate two decades since the tragic 2004 tsunami. This event brought together nearly 200 participants, including diplomats, international organizations, the private and public sectors, NGOs, and the UN.

The symposium provided a platform to reflect on lessons learned, assess current disaster preparedness, and discuss future strategies for enhancing resilience. It also marked the 10-year anniversary of A-PAD Sri Lanka, celebrating a decade of dedicated disaster response and humanitarian efforts.

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