• PDNA process to guide recovery and long-term rebuilding

Preliminary Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) data on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage to lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and essential services, was reviewed by a high-level committee, the Ministry of Defence stated.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retired) at the Defence Ministry premises, with senior officials from key stakeholder institutions in attendance.

The PDNA process is being implemented by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in collaboration with the Department of National Planning (NPD) and national and international development partners. It involves the systematic collection, analysis and evaluation of data on physical damage, economic losses and social impacts across affected sectors, in line with an agreed timeline.

The meeting was convened to present preliminary PDNA findings following the completion of immediate relief efforts, in order to support the transition to recovery, rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Minister said the PDNA aims to support a robust recovery framework aligned with the Presidential Task Force on the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme. He noted that the Task Force comprises eight subcommittees, with the PDNA committee serving as the principal coordinating body under his chairmanship.

The committee discussed key issues including preliminary estimates of damages and losses, recovery needs, the nature of assistance from development partners, and coordination challenges.