V-Force for DRR

Gammadda, an initiative of Sirasa media of The Capital Maharaja Organization Ltd, harnessed the youth in volunteerism. A series of Disaster Risk Reduction activities have been organized through the Gammadda program in protecting the environment and national heritage sites of Sri Lanka. A-PAD SL Country Director, Firzan Hashim joined an elite panel at a live TV programme in promoting youth volunteerism. The other panelists were Ms. Anoja Weerasinghe a popular film actress and activist, Ms Sumi Moonesinghe – founder NO KUNU initiative, Yasarath Kamalsiri – Director/ General Manager News First MTV Channel, Rinaz Mohamed – Director MTV/ MBC Channels and Dr. D.A.C. Suranga Silva – University of Colombo. Mr. Hashim reiterated the positives of this initiative where youth involvement in DRR and sustainable development is key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The panel discussed the enthusiasm of the youth, but the unavailability of platforms for positive and meaningful engagement. The Gammadda initiative certainly fills that lacuna in providing a platform for youth engagement – the asset of any country.

The program, an initiative of Chevaan Daniel- Group Director, The Capital Maharaja Organization was moderated by Ms Chanu Dissanayaka – news anchor, TV presenter and an environmentalist activist herself. The Gammadda Youth Volunteer Force (V-Force) will be nurtured to be responsible, efficient and effective leaders with a series of programmes and capacity building – an initiative A-PAD will partner with Gammadda to achieve.