Sri Lanka as Co-Chair underscored the importance of collective response in addressing challenges posed by natural disasters and the importance of the ARF process in exploring synergies between climate change adaptation, climate mitigation and disaster risk management.

Referring to Sri Lanka’s own experience as a nation that has experienced first-hand the devastating impact of natural disasters, the importance of preparedness, response and recovery efforts were highlighted.

The Sri Lanka delegation was led by Director General, South East Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sashikala Premawardhane, with the participation of senior officials from the National Disaster Relief Service Centre of the Ministry of Defence