NBRO seeks to partner with Australian Bureau of Meteorology to enhance landslide warnings

• Discussions focused on improving the accuracy of rainfall forecasting

By Charithya Kumarasiri 

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) held discussions with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to establish a collaborative partnership to strengthen rainfall forecasting capabilities, specifically for Landslide Early Warning Systems.  The strategic meeting was chaired by Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena, Director General of NBRO, and Dr Nadeesha Dharmasiri, General Manager of National Forecast Services at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. 

Discussions focused on improving the accuracy of rainfall forecasting, an important factor in issuing timely and reliable landslide warnings. Particular attention was given to the potential use of the Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator (ACCESS), an advanced numerical weather prediction system, which would be customised for Sri Lanka’s geographical and climatic conditions.

The proposed collaboration also includes a comprehensive capacity development programme, including technical training, joint research, and operational guidance to support advanced forecasting models. 

Both institutions have further explored the possibility of formalising the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This initiative is described as a significant step towards leveraging global scientific expertise to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and to better safeguard lives and property from landslide disasters in Sri Lanka.