DMC Launches the Schools Disaster Risk Index Sri Lanka in Partnership with MoE and A-PAD SL
Schools are critical spaces that bring together some of the most vulnerable groups in society, particularly children and women, making their protection in times of disaster a national priority. On September 15, 2025, Sri Lanka launched its first-ever Schools Disaster Risk Index, a nationwide initiative assessing disaster risks across 10,000+ schools. Developed with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Ministry of Education (MoE), and Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL), the Index identifies vulnerabilities to floods, droughts, landslides, tsunamis, lightning, cyclones, and storm surges, while also examining transport, sanitation, water access, and school infrastructure. This is the first time a nationwide, institutionalized assessment of this kind has been consolidated into a single document.
A-PAD Sri Lanka supported this national initiative by funding the publication of the Index, thereby ensuring its wide accessibility to schools, administrators, and stakeholders, and enabling its use as a practical tool for disaster risk reduction and education planning.
The initiative emphasizes disaster-vulnerable groups, particularly children in densely populated areas, who face higher risks. By consolidating risk data into a single framework, the Index guides safety planning, strengthens disaster-resilient infrastructure, and integrates disaster risk reduction into the school curriculum, ensuring that children’s right to education is protected even in the face of disasters.
The Director General of DMC, Major Gen. Sampath Kotuwegoda ndc IG(Retd.), stressed the importance of prevention and preparedness, stating that “the safety of every child is a shared responsibility.” He underscored that ensuring children are safe must come before education, as disasters should never obstruct a child’s right to learn. The Chief Guest for the event, Mr. R.A.R.M. Rathnayake, the deputy director of the Ministry of Education was also present at the event.
The Country Director of A-PAD-SL, Mr. Firzan Hashim, echoed these points, stressing that the Index is about protecting children’s right to education. He highlighted that while no additional funding is required, institutionalizing the Index will ensure it guides reforms and infrastructure planning. “Children must be safe before they are educated, and disasters should never block their right to learn. By institutionalizing the School Risk Index, Sri Lanka can set an example for the region,” he said.
Ms. Anoja Seneviratne, the Director – Mitigation Research and Development Division (DMC), who led the initiative emphasized that while earlier the efforts were ad-hoc, the new index consolidates risk data from all schools into one framework. She noted that it will help identify the most vulnerable schools, protect children’s safety, prioritize resources, and strengthen disaster-resilient infrastructure, while integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into the school curriculum.
The Index will also serve as a critical reference in broader education reforms, including the merging of schools and development of resilient infrastructure. Importantly, it positions Sri Lanka to serve as a regional leader in disaster-resilient education planning. A-PAD is proud to have supported a valuable initiative as this to advance the safety of school children.
