The University of Colombo hosted the 7th session of the JICA Chair Programme 2024/25 on January 16, 2025, at the Senate Hall, College House. The event brought together experts and academics to discuss historical and contemporary approaches to disaster preparedness and response.
The session began with a warm welcome from Professor Chaminda Pathmakumara, Head of the Department of International Relations. Ms. Yuri Ide, Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka, then shared JICA’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in disaster management and building resilience. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Kazuo Konagai, Emeritus Professor at the University of Tokyo, who explored Japan’s long history of disaster preparedness. He highlighted how Japan’s unique geographical challenges have shaped its disaster policies and innovations, focusing on lessons learned from historical earthquakes, the role of ancient civil engineering projects, and the integration of traditional wisdom with modern technology. A key point in his lecture was the importance of Japan’s meticulous record-keeping of disaster events over the centuries.
Senior Professor G Y Jayasinghe of the University of Ruhuna provided a comparative analysis of Japanese and Sri Lankan disaster management systems. He emphasized the importance of adapting global strategies to suit local environmental and cultural contexts. The session, moderated by Senior Professor H D Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, concluded with an engaging Q&A session. Participants explored the role of education and international collaboration in mitigating disaster risks. Dr. Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to JICA and all contributors for their valuable insights.
