Over two decades ago, on 26 December 2004, Sri Lanka was struck by a devastating tsunami that left death, destruction, and heartbreak in its wake. It was by the number of lives it took, that it became the largest recorded natural disaster in Sri Lankan history. Sri Lanka was one of the hardest-hit countries, with over 40,000 fatalities and billions in losses. The last two months have reminded Sri Lankans that we are poor at learning lessons and prone to repeating them.
As we struggle to come to terms with the impact of cyclone Ditwah, with nearly a thousand lives lost, and an early estimate in excess of $ 4 billion in recorded damages thus far, it is evident we need to improve our game. Sri Lankans need to reinvent the wheel; we can learn from our own mistakes, gaps, as well as how other nations have grown to be better prepared.
Small coastal, adverse weather-prone nations place a great emphasis on disaster preparedness. Such programmes are a cornerstone of resilience in both Singapore and Japan, countries renowned for their proactive approaches to safeguarding lives against natural and man-made hazards. Their strategies focus on education, community engagement, and the use of innovative tools and programmes, ensuring that children and communities are equipped to respond effectively when disaster strikes.
Sri Lanka, with bilateral assistance and support from UN agencies, can study the systems put in place by Singapore and Japan, and tailor what is appropriate for our demography, topography, oceanic and weather patterns.
In Singapore, disaster preparedness is orchestrated primarily by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), which integrates disaster education into the national curriculum and community life. Key initiatives include using their National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) – introduced in secondary schools, the NCDCC equips students with essential civil defence skills, fostering confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Cadets participate in emergency drills and learn first aid, fire safety, and evacuation procedures. Singapore also has a Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP) – open to all residents, CEPP offers hands-on training in life-saving skills such as CPR, casualty evacuation, and unconventional threat response.
These modules are available seven days a week and are tailored for different age groups and sectors. Practice makes perfect. The Government of Singapore follows up the basics with Emergency Preparedness (EP) Days – held annually across residential and workplace communities, EP Days simulate real-life emergencies, allowing participants to practice in-place protection and evacuation. Preparedness is backed up by a robust Public Warning System (PWS): Sirens, SMS alerts, and media broadcasts ensure rapid dissemination of emergency information, with regular drills to familiarise the public. These programmes cultivate a culture of preparedness from a young age, ensuring that children grow up with the skills and mindset needed to protect themselves and others. Community involvement further strengthens resilience, as citizens are empowered to act as first responders and support recovery efforts.
Japan’s vulnerability to earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons has shaped a comprehensive disaster education system that begins in early childhood and continues throughout life. Key elements include, School curriculum-based Disaster Education – disaster preparedness is integrated into safety education, with regular evacuation drills, hazard mapping, and interdisciplinary lessons in geography and science. Students learn not only to protect themselves but also to safeguard friends, family, and the wider community. Like Singapore, Japan has disaster preparedness days and drills. Risk mapping, done by the state and local governments, distributes hazard maps and booklets, helping families identify risks and plan evacuation routes. Community drills and public education campaigns foster collective resilience.
Singapore and Japan have identified their children as agents of change, teaching them to spread awareness and skills within their families and communities. Regular drills and community engagement foster a sense of shared responsibility, enabling swift, coordinated action during emergencies.
The integration of technology, such as public warning systems and hazard mapping, further enhances preparedness. As Sri Lanka learns from Ditwah, let us also pick up the proven tools and mechanisms from those who are better prepared today. If we fail to learn from our shortcomings, we are prone to repeat them.