Disaster Risk Reduction in the Built Environment in Sri Lanka- An overview

Natural disasters have long-term implications on sustainable development. They mainly destroy
the built environment thereby hindering economic and social development, and causing
environment degradation. Reducing the risk of natural disasters within the built environment is
therefore critical for ensuring sustainable development. The paper in this context, aims to
assess the current state of disaster risk reduction in the built environment in Sri Lanka.
Empirical data was collected employing semi-structured in-depth interviews which were
conducted with a group of professionals who were involved in disaster risk reduction in the
built environment in Sri Lanka. The data was analysed following thematic analysis. The paper
reveals the current state of disaster risk reduction in the built environment requires to be
improved to achieve a satisfactory level of success whilst highlighting a number of barriers that
hinder the desired progress. Deficient funds and weak regulatory framework are identified as
major barriers for successful implementation. Central and local government authorities are
identified as the primarily responsible parties for disaster risk reduction in the built
environment in Sri Lanka in the paper. The paper further presents various recommendations on
how to improve the current situation.