A-PAD SL Holds Discussion with Representatives of the Embassy of France

A-PAD Sri Lanka held a constructive discussion with representatives of the Embassy of France, including Lt Cdr Florian Bouvenot, French Maritime Security Advisor at the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka, and Lcl Vincent Pairault, Conseiller en protection civile and disaster management expert from the Embassy of France in Singapore. The meeting focused on deepening understanding of A-PAD SL’s role in Sri Lanka’s disaster management framework and identifying ways France could support national and local efforts in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response.

In light of the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the growing frequency of climate-induced disasters, the discussion underscored the urgent need to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster management systems through targeted crisis management training for key stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on enhancing inter-agency coordination during emergencies.

The importance of building disaster awareness and practical skills among youth was highlighted, recognizing their role in strengthening long-term resilience. Strengthening volunteer capacities, particularly in search and rescue, was also identified as essential for effective community-level response.

Recurring flooding challenges linked to extreme weather were discussed, noting how some areas experience flooding followed by prolonged droughts. Participants emphasized the need for adaptive water management approaches, including improved water retention and flow mechanisms, supported by integrated water resource management studies as long-term investments for disaster resilience.