Disaster risk management Developed countries not doing enough for developing countries: JICA representative in SL

Yamada Tetsuya, Chief Representative of Japan International Coordination Agency (JICA) in Sri Lanka, answering a question on the effects of climate change on disaster risk management at a recent event, argued that developed countries are not doing enough to support developing countries and ought to create an agreement on subsidies and credit mechanisms that can offset their historical contribution to climate change.

He made these remarks at an event organized by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy, titled ‘Disaster Risk Management and Japan’s Role in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).’ 

He discussed JICA’s vision and mission, with particular reference to human security and inclusive economic growth, and underlined JICA’s basic approaches to disaster risk management. Three key approaches - structural measures; DRM governance, including non-structural measures; and ‘build back better’ policies - are delivered in accordance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

He then presented six case studies that demonstrated Japan’s previous support for disaster risk management in Sri Lanka and emphasised the goal of more collaboration in the future.
Mr. A.J.M. Gunasekera, General Manager (Actg.) of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), focussed on the recent increase in ship-based maritime disasters and how this should receive greater attention from policymakers and the public. Sri Lanka’s sea lanes are economically and environmentally sensitive areas. Mr. Gunasekera emphasised the need for a more robust response mechanism on maritime disasters and how there must be clear procedures and chains of command, which can be achieved through greater investments and private sector participation in disaster risk mitigation. He closed by underlining the challenges facing Sri Lanka, such as limited equipment and financial resources, and how these will limit the country’s capability to develop regional mechanisms without international support.