The national-level forum “Facing the Future – Natural Disasters and Poverty in Sri Lanka” was successfully held on 26th January 2026 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), Nawala. The event was jointly organized by the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD), OUSL.
The forum provided a platform for research- and policy-oriented dialogue on the interconnections between natural disasters and poverty in Sri Lanka. It brought together policymakers, academics, development practitioners, and experts to discuss the socio-economic impacts of recent natural disasters and to explore practical and policy-driven solutions aimed at strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable development.
An eminent panel of experts representing international organizations, the private sector, academia, and government institutions contributed to the discussion. The session was moderated by a senior development policy specialist and also served to strengthen institutional collaboration between CEPA, CESSD, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of OUSL.
Date: 26th January 2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Registration from 3.00 PM onwards)
Venue: Faculty of Health Sciences – Auditorium, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda
Panelists:
- Ms. Azusa Kubota – Country Director, UNDP Sri Lanka
- Mr. Krishan Balendra – CEO, John Keells Holdings
- Dr. Herath Gunathilake – Senior Advisor, Centre for Poverty Analysis
- Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne – Executive Director, Centre for Poverty Analysis
- Prof. Jagath Munasinghe – Professor, Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Moratuwa
- Ms. Kusala Mahalekama – Director, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Central Environmental Authority
Moderator:
- Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja – Senior Advisor, Centre for Poverty Analysis, Visiting Fellow, Overseas Development Institute, UK
Please confirm your attendance by 21st January 2026 via email at keshani@cepa.lk or call 070 771 7117 (Keshani Munasighe).
