Impact of advanced technology on effectiveness of Disaster Management activities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Disasters have been a part and parcel of Sri Lankan way of life being an island exposed to vast Indian Ocean. Global warming and climate change has increased the floods, droughts, storms, earthquakes, landslides etc. Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems (IPCC, 2014). Sri Lanka does not seem to reap the benefits of the availability of advanced technologies in managing disasters in all stages of its cycle namely, impact, response, recovery, reconstruction, prevention, mitigation and preparedness. The land slide at Koslanda, Uva province in November 2014 and flash floods in most parts of the country in May 2016 proved that effective mechanisms are not in place for disaster preparedness, response and recovery in Sri Lanka. The observation in traditional disaster management activities using man power of Military has led to the increased awareness on utilizing technology to minimize damage to human lives and property. The researcher therefore tries to solve the problem of lower levels of effectiveness in present day disaster management activities in Sri Lanka which results in more loss of lives and damages to property. The solution proposed is that the disaster managers shall adopt more of advanced technologies in the various stages of disaster management such as impact, response, recovery, reconstruction, prevention, mitigation and preparedness. The researcher has identified following specific research objectives. a. To do an in depth study in to the advanced technologies available for disaster management activities in the world and observe the suitability, customization into local culture, attitudes and structures. b. To critically evaluate existing mechanisms and plans in place in Sri Lanka for Disaster Management. c. To develop a model of technology packages (Mission capability packages, MCPs) that can be used in disaster management activities particularly in Sri Lanka and in general in developing countries. In this paper researcher focuses on the advanced technologies related to four types of disasters chosen for the study, namely floods, droughts, landslides and cyclones and the ways and means such technologies can be used in Sri Lankan disaster management activities.