Before the Waters Rise, Sri Lanka Moves on Dam Safety

Sri Lanka has identified the preparation of a dedicated Dam Safety Act as an urgent national priority, as authorities move to strengthen dam safety, improve early-warning arrangements and reduce disaster risks for communities living downstream of dams.

These priorities were discussed at a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Defence on 22 October, chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and convened by the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

The meeting placed particular emphasis on non-structural measures to reduce disaster risks, especially effective early-warning arrangements for communities and areas downstream of dams. Participants discussed the need to strengthen preparedness, improve coordination among responsible institutions and ensure that timely and reliable warnings enable people to take prompt action to protect lives and reduce the impact of disasters.

In his welcome and opening remarks, the Defence Secretary highlighted the importance of advancing the national dam safety programme. He noted that the matter had also been discussed at the National Security Council and that the President had subsequently instructed the Ministry of Defence to conduct the programme.

The preparation of a dedicated Dam Safety Act was identified as an urgent national priority. Participants stressed the need for a clear and effective legal and institutional framework to strengthen dam safety governance, define responsibilities and support coordinated risk management and emergency preparedness.

Dam owners and operators provided practical input on operational requirements and priority actions needed to move the programme forward. Their contributions are expected to help shape an implementation approach that reflects national needs and the realities of dam management, while strengthening cooperation among the institutions involved.

The Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd), delivered a presentation outlining the proposed activities and highlighting the financial resources required for the future implementation of the programme.

All participants agreed on the importance of implementing the proposed measures in the national interest.

The discussion reaffirmed the need for a coordinated national approach to dam safety, bringing together early-warning systems, emergency preparedness, institutional coordination and an appropriate legislative framework.

The Disaster Management Centre will continue working with relevant institutions and technical agencies to advance the programme as a matter of national importance.

Representatives of dam-owning and dam-operating institutions, together with officials from relevant stakeholder agencies, attended the meeting.