Defence Secretary Underscores Regional Resilience at Asian
Preparedness Partnership Workshop
July 24, 2025
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), gracing the ceremony as the chief guest delivered special remarks at the Reflection Workshop of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), held at the Cinnamon Life at the City of Dreams in Colombo on Wednesday (July 23).
The two-day workshop, held under the theme “Sustaining Collaboration: Advancing the Future of National Preparedness Partnerships,” brought together delegates from seven Asian nations: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Commending the APP for its multi-stakeholder framework since its inception in 2016, the Defence Secretary emphasized the importance of building sustainable, nationally owned disaster preparedness systems. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s experience through the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), which has effectively connected government, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen early warning systems and community-based action.
The Secretary also highlighted the critical role of disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in national security, noting that natural and man-made hazards pose serious challenges to stability and development.
Under the stewardship of our three co-chairs, the Disaster Management Centre, Janathakshan GTE Ltd and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the SLPP has emerged as a nationally owned, multi-sectorial platform, he said.
Expressing appreciation to the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their leadership and support, he called on participating nations to transform partnerships into enduring systems and ideas into tangible action.
Director General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd) made the welcome remarks. The Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Aslam Perwaiz and Deputy Director of the Emergency Response, Gates Foundation, Dr. Valerie Berno made opening remarks.
This workshop aims to deepen regional collaboration and develop strategies for a safer and more resilient Asia.
