The Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCA-DRR) Project coordinated by the Global Disaster Resilience Centre (GRDC) at the University of Huddersfield recently organized a training programme on “Tackling Climate Change as an Underlying Disaster Risk Driver”, from 26th June to 7th July 2023 in the United Kingdom. This collaborative initiative involved eight prestigious Sri Lankan universities including the University of Peradeniya. The project was cofounded by the Erasmus+ project on International Credit Mobility (ICM) of the European Union. Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, Dr. Chaminda S Bandara, and Mr. Lahiru Dissanayake from the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering represented the University of Peradeniya in this training programme.
The training program encompassed a research symposium, informative guest lectures, a captivating site visit, and several research training events. The most significant outcome of this event was the development of a comprehensive research roadmap on “Building Resilience to the Impact of Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction” aimed at achieving climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Sri Lanka. The road map focuses on crucial sectors such as the built environment, human health, transportation, energy, tourism, environment and ecosystems, water resources, food security, agriculture, and livestock. The approach adopted for this endeavour emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the challenges posed by climate change.
This transformative event was coordinated by Dr. Chamindi Malalgoda from the University of Huddersfield with the auspices of Prof. Dilanthi Amaratunga and Prof. Richard Haigh.
This collaborative event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to tackle climate change and reduce disaster risk. It not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also establishes a platform for long-term partnerships and collaborations between academic institutions, ultimately leading to a more resilient and sustainable future for the country and beyond.
