A preliminary high-level discussion on establishing an integrated national mechanism to prevent drowning incidents and strengthen lifesaving efforts was recently held at the Parliament Complex.

The meeting aimed to formulate a multi-sectoral programme focused on reducing drowning-related deaths and improving public safety across Sri Lanka.

The discussion was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne, and Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake.

During the meeting, officials emphasized that drowning fatalities are a major public safety concern and highlighted the need for a structured national response mechanism.

Proposals included integrating water safety awareness into the national school curriculum and creating a volunteer lifesaving network through youth training programmes.

Representatives from the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Disaster Management Centre, Civil Security Department, Sri Lanka Police and Sri Lanka Life Saving also participated in the discussion.