Its efforts have played a significant role in protecting Sri Lankan society from disaster risks and in supporting sustainable and resilient development.
— Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES), held on 8th May at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation.
RIMES was established on 30th April 2009 to facilitate hazard monitoring, risk assessment, risk communication, and the application of risk information in decision-making among countries in Africa and Asia.
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated:
“The proposal to host the Fourth Ministerial Conference of RIMES in Sri Lanka was first put forward and seconded during the Third Ministerial Conference held in Papua New Guinea in 2017. Although this important gathering could not take place until now due to various challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, we are grateful to all institutions—especially RIMES, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Department of Irrigation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism—for their unwavering support in making this event a reality.
Among natural disasters, the 2004 tsunami stands out as the most devastating in recent memory, claiming nearly 40,000 lives. The economic and social repercussions of this tragedy continue to reverberate, and the emotional trauma endured by children who lost parents, and siblings who lost each other, is a pain that words can hardly convey — one that still endures.
In this context, the role of RIMES is truly invaluable. Its efforts have significantly contributed to protecting Sri Lankan society from disaster risks and supporting the country’s journey towards sustainable and resilient development. I wish RIMES continued success in its mission, and I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our collaboration for the benefit of both Sri Lanka and the broader global community.”
The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha, Deputy Minister Mr. Namal Karunarathne, ambassadors, representatives of RIMES member countries, representatives from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, and officials from relevant ministries.
