UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche has reaffirmed the UN’s support for Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Franche discussed continued UN assistance with Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), including support following Cyclone Ditwah.

The discussions also focused on improving early warning systems, inter-agency coordination, relief distribution and local disaster preparedness.

The potential impacts of El Niño, including climate-related risks and water scarcity, were also discussed.