Is the country ready for extreme weather effects?

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a high-level discussion on the possible impact of the forthcoming El Niño condition and institutional plans to mitigate its effects. 

The meeting brought together representatives from the Department of Meteorology, Department of Irrigation, Central Environmental Authority, Mahaweli Authority, Disaster Management Centre, Lanka Electricity Company and the National System Operator, among others. While it is important to hold such discussions it is also important to ensure that the outcomes of these discussions are expedited. During the discussion it was noted that steps have been taken to commence the Yala cultivation season about one and a half months earlier this year to mitigate risks. In the past many of these discussions have been unsuccessful because they lacked proper representation of stakeholders. Prior to taking decisions it is important to consult people who would be affected by such extreme weather events. We do not know whether farmers were consulted prior to advancing the Yala cultivation season. Therefore rather than taking decisions in AC rooms, like how it has always been done, it is important to consult those who would be impacted as a result of such decisions. 

Bracing for an El Niño is serious business given the fact that we are an island nation. Therefore, people need to be prioritised when taking decisions related to extreme weather events.

Samitha Bandara 

Kohuwala