Developing capacity for disaster risk reduction: Lessons learned from a case of Sri Lanka

Capacity development for disaster risk reduction is considered an important approach emphasized in the Sendai Frame-work for Disaster RiskReduction2015-2030. However, questions regarding progress and an effective approach remain. The purpose of this paper is, through a study in Sri Lanka, to identify the capacity development for disaster risk reduction by analyzing related strategies and methodologies for the development to occur. A capacity development project was taken as a case study in which 6709 people in disaster-affected areas in the southern, northern, and eastern areas of Sri Lanka were targeted. The primary data analysis used the results of the questionnaire survey comprising quantitative and qualitative questions to assess the training. The overall results indicate a positive response to the training, as the training themes matched the local people's needs and concerns. The indicators of overall evaluation and understanding knowledge scored higher compared to the relevance/application of the training scores. The psychosocial trainings were positively scored in all districts except one area, where war-affected people need special care. In addition, the participants valued the first aid training because of the high practicality thereof in their daily lives, and mixing soft and hard components in the training. The greater flexibility and adaptability are essential in the process of implementation.