Sri Lanka prioritizes new Dam Safety Act to mitigate disaster risks

Sri Lanka has designated the development of a dedicated Dam Safety Act as an urgent national priority. This move aims to strengthen dam safety protocols, enhance early-warning systems, and reduce disaster risks for communities located downstream of dams.

During a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Defence, officials discussed the necessity of establishing a clear legal and institutional framework to govern dam safety. The initiative focuses on improving coordination between responsible institutions and implementing non-structural measures, such as reliable early-warning arrangements, to ensure residents can take prompt action during emergencies.

The national dam safety programme was discussed at the National Security Council, leading to presidential instructions for the Ministry of Defence to oversee the process. Dam owners and operators have provided practical input to ensure the implementation approach reflects operational realities and national management needs.