Facing the Future – Natural Disasters and Poverty in Sri Lanka

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

About the Event:
The Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (CESSD) at The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), is organizing a national-level forum to discuss the intersection of natural disasters and poverty in Sri Lanka. The forum will engage experts, policymakers, and practitioners in a research- and policy-oriented dialogue to address the socio-economic implications of recent natural disasters and foster actionable solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future. The event will also serve as a platform to strengthen institutional ties between CEPA, CESSD, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS).

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).