Asia Pacific Alliance – Sri Lanka

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A-PAD Bulletin: January – February 2026

Mar 13, 2026

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IRB Refresher Training for the SAR team

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Safety During Disaster During disasters, safety m

Safety During Disaster

During disasters, safety means more than survival.

Women and girls often face increased risks such as violence, lack of privacy in shelters, limited access to sanitation, and barriers to essential services. Ensuring safe shelters, access to healthcare, and protection mechanisms is essential in every disaster response.

This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to building disaster systems that protect and empower women at every stage — preparedness, response, and recovery.

Because inclusive disaster management saves more lives.

#internationalwomensday #givetogain #womensafety #disastersreparedness #apadsl

Empowered Women Empower the World When women are

Empowered Women Empower the World

When women are empowered, entire communities become stronger and more resilient.

From young girls dreaming of a better future to women leading in emergency response and disaster preparedness, their strength shapes safer societies. Supporting women’s education, leadership, and participation in disaster management creates lasting impact.

This March 8, we celebrate the women who protect, lead, and inspire change every day.

Because when we give opportunities, support, and respect — we all gain.

#internationalwomensday #givetogain #womenleaders #strongercommunities #apadsl

“Is She Safe?” Disasters do not affect everyone e

“Is She Safe?”

Disasters do not affect everyone equally. Women and children are often the most vulnerable during crises due to social, economic, and safety challenges.

From limited access to early warnings to increased risks in evacuation and shelter spaces, disasters can deepen existing inequalities. The numbers remind us that disaster risk is also a gender issue.

This International Women’s Day, let us recognize that protecting women means protecting communities. When women are safe, informed, and empowered, recovery becomes stronger for everyone.

#internationalwomensday #givetogain #womenindisasterresponse #disasterresilience #apadsl

On World NGO Day, we celebrate action, compassion,

On World NGO Day, we celebrate action, compassion, and resilience.

At A-PAD Sri Lanka, we stand with communities, businesses, and responders—strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery to build a safer, more resilient Sri Lanka for all. 🌏

#wolrdngoday #resilience #disasterpreparedness #communitiesinaction #apadsl

Partnerships driving early recovery and lasting im

Partnerships driving early recovery and lasting impact. 💧🤝

Recently, as part of ongoing early recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah, A-PAD SL — in partnership with Wine To Water and with logistical support from Airlink — distributed 500 water filters to schools across Nuwara Eliya, Walapane, Nildandahinna, and Kotmale DS divisions in Nuwara Eliya District.

By prioritising schools, the initiative supports educational continuity while protecting the health and well-being of students and educators. Hands-on training sessions ensured school communities are equipped to confidently use and maintain the filters, enabling sustainable access to safe drinking water beyond the immediate emergency phase.

Collaboration that strengthens recovery, resilience, and the future of the next generation.

#earlyrecovery #cycloneditwah #partnershipforimpact #safewater #apadsl

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

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

5 days ago

Safety During Disaster

During disasters, safety means more than survival.

Women and girls often face increased risks such as violence, lack of privacy in shelters, limited access to sanitation, and barriers to essential services. Ensuring safe shelters, access to healthcare, and protection mechanisms is essential in every disaster response.

This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to building disaster systems that protect and empower women at every stage — preparedness, response, and recovery.

Because inclusive disaster management saves more lives.

#internationalwomensday #givetogain #womensafety #disastersreparedness #apadsl ... See MoreSee Less

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

5 days ago

Empowered Women Empower the World

When women are empowered, entire communities become stronger and more resilient.

From young girls dreaming of a better future to women leading in emergency response and disaster preparedness, their strength shapes safer societies. Supporting women’s education, leadership, and participation in disaster management creates lasting impact.

This March 8, we celebrate the women who protect, lead, and inspire change every day.

Because when we give opportunities, support, and respect — we all gain.

#internationalwomensday #givetogain #womenleaders #strongercommunities #apadsl ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

5 days ago

“Is She Safe?”

Disasters do not affect everyone equally. Women and children are often the most vulnerable during crises due to social, economic, and safety challenges.

From limited access to early warnings to increased risks in evacuation and shelter spaces, disasters can deepen existing inequalities. The numbers remind us that disaster risk is also a gender issue.

This International Women’s Day, let us recognize that protecting women means protecting communities. When women are safe, informed, and empowered, recovery becomes stronger for everyone.

#internationalwomensday #givetogain #womenindisasterresponse #disasterresilience #apadsl ... See MoreSee Less

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· Share

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Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka

2 weeks ago

On World NGO Day, we celebrate action, compassion, and resilience.

At A-PAD Sri Lanka, we stand with communities, businesses, and responders—strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery to build a safer, more resilient Sri Lanka for all. 🌏

#wolrdngoday #resilience #disasterpreparedness #communitiesinaction #apadsl ... See MoreSee Less

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· Share

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TWITTER

A-PAD Sri Lanka Follow

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 ·

8 Mar

Safety During Disasters

Disasters mean more than survival. Women and girls often face higher risks from violence and lack of privacy in shelters.

This #IWD2026 , let’s build disaster systems that protect and empower women.

#GiveToGain #WomenSafety #APADSL

Reply on Twitter 2030488990978384097 Retweet on Twitter 2030488990978384097 Like on Twitter 2030488990978384097 Twitter 2030488990978384097

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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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