• Community participation, volunteer services, and social unity

Some lessons are taught to us by nature in the harshest ways and Cyclone Ditwah was one such event. Though it destroyed homes, roads, and daily lives, causing widespread devastation, it simultaneously revealed the light of humanity – people rising for one another. 

Neighbours extending helping hands, communities coming forward, volunteers stepping up in the face of disaster, and the determination to rebuild together – these are living examples that remind us of the true strength of society.

In such situations, community participation has repeatedly proven to be an invaluable strength. Alongside Government relief efforts, people at the village level came forward to support one another, providing food, clothing, and shelter. Youth, voluntary organisations, and ordinary citizens united to extend compassion and aid to those affected, reinforcing the importance of social cohesion and humanity. 

This kind of grassroot community involvement not only enhances the effectiveness of disaster response, but also lays down a vital foundation for building a more disaster-resilient society.

Volunteer services during disasters are widely regarded as a vital expression of a society’s humanitarian strength. In areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah, young people, voluntary organisations, and various social groups came forward to distribute food, medicine, and essential items, while also assisting with cleanup efforts. 

This dedication provided rapid relief to those affected, and further strengthened the sense of social unity and responsibility. Therefore, it is essential to further promote community participation and volunteerism in a more structured and organised manner within future disaster management processes.

Organic responses

In this post-disaster period, a formal series of discussions was initiated by the Rights Now organisation to examine whether civil society is effectively fulfilling its role and to assess the nation’s level of preparedness for such disasters. The latest dialogue of the Samabima Dialogue Forum, themed ‘Cyclone Ditwah, Community Participation, and Volunteer Service,’ featured Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement Chairman Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne as the key resource person.

Disaster responses – from the Government, voluntary organisations, and the community – are very organic. However, when it comes to Government response, officials are often constrained by circulars and procedural limitations in their actions. 

“However, voluntary organisations can provide an immediate response using the resources they can mobilise at that moment. It is necessary to establish a State mechanism that can quickly address community responses and intervene promptly in such situations,” he said.

As for whether past experiences – especially from the tsunami – served as prior lessons, Dr. Ariyaratne noted: “Organisations like Sarvodaya, and even the Government, gained immense experience from it. The current Disaster Management Act itself was created in such a context. At that time, internet facilities were extremely limited. Organisations like Sarvodaya were the ones that primarily brought internet facilities to villages. 

“It was during the tsunami that the communication revolution began. People like Professor Rohan Samarajiva and others dedicated themselves to this cause. It created an opportunity to bring scientific foundations – such as early preparedness and early warnings – to the people. Mechanisms for facing severe catastrophic disasters were built through organisations like ours.”

Lessons (un)learnt

When asked whether the lessons learnt from the tsunami 22 years ago had been effectively utilised by the Government in responding to a disaster like Ditwah, Dr. Ariyaratne responded that they had not. 

“No. Political leadership is crucial here. Ensuring that all systems function properly is part of political leadership. Over the past 10 years or so, it has been at a low level. It needs to be updated.”

He further noted that, given the scale of the disaster, responsibility could not be placed solely on the Government. However, disaster response extends beyond immediate reactions during emergency situations. 

“Around 150,000 people have been displaced. Most of them are staying in the homes of their relatives. A considerable number are in safe centres. The standards there – meaning the facilities – are still not sufficient at this moment. Looking at it that way, the State mechanism has failed. On the other hand, the basic mechanisms have not been able to properly manage this disaster. Community-based preparedness is at a minimal level. While resources and technology exist, I believe we must think anew and take this forward.”

While voluntary organisations can manage relief distribution and similar tasks, Government intervention is essential for reconstruction. 

“Several aspects regarding Cyclone Ditwah need to be analysed. Often, there was no proper understanding of the nature of the rain or the state of the cyclone. We cannot put the lives of voluntary officials at risk. Therefore, we were cautious and avoided taking risks in our response. The information technology projects were not open. Data was not provided most of the time,” Dr. Ariyaratne explained.

“The Government has not yet conducted an assessment for reconstruction. However, we have many philanthropists. There are people willing to donate land. If the State mechanism cannot do this alone, it can collaborate with voluntary organisations. Today, there are even professional volunteers. I do not see a limitation in resources. 

“I personally know that within the United Nations system, there are things they cannot spend on because the mechanism is not right. For example, we need this many houses, the displaced are staying in these places; if the Government identifies these by district and divisional secretariat levels, there are organisations ready to intervene and take responsibility. They will find the necessary resources. Also, we must not forget that there is a fund. We need to present the amount of donations received. That is basic accountability,” he added.

A society grows stronger in the face of disaster not through the efforts of a single institution or group, but when it acts in unity. When planned Government actions, resources, and coordination are combined with the dedication, field experience, and community networks of voluntary organisations, disaster response can become more efficient and rapid. 

Therefore, building strong coordination among the Government, voluntary organisations, and the community in future disaster management processes is essential. This approach will not only improve disaster response, but also strengthen our unity, humanity, and resilience as a society.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication)