UNDP Resident Representative Pays Courtesy Call on Defence Secretary

Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, Ms. Azusa Kubota paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence yesterday (13 January).

The ensuing cordial discussion provided an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and ongoing rebuilding and restoration efforts. It also underscored the importance of coordinated action, resilience building measures and effective recovery mechanisms to support affected communities.

During the discussions, UNDP officials provided a comprehensive briefing on the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), outlining the assessment process and the proposed next steps to guide recovery and reconstruction efforts. In addition, attention was drawn to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), highlighting the opportunities it presents for Sri Lanka to secure financial support for Cyclone Ditwah recovery initiatives, as well as for long term, risk sensitive planning and development aimed at minimizing loss and damage arising from climate change.

Both parties reaffirmed the value of continued cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and UNDP in disaster response and recovery initiatives, and in strengthening national capacities to effectively address future emergencies.

Officials from the United Nations Development Programme also attended the meeting.