The Training Programme on Climate Change and Agro-Food Sustainability for Enhanced Disaster Resilience was successfully held on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, at gapHQ, Colombo 07. This vital initiative was collaboratively organized by the Fostering Sustainable University-Industry Techno-Entrepreneurial Collaborations and Innovations in Asian Universities (FOUNTAIN) project at the University of Peradeniya, the Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRiMP), and the Sri Lanka Climate Fund (SLCF).

The one-day program provided a crucial platform for professionals, undergraduates, and stakeholders to explore and address key challenges in climate risk management, agro-food sustainability, and disaster resilience in Sri Lanka. Participants gained valuable insights into climate change adaptation and its impact on agricultural and food systems.

The training was aligned with the European Union-funded FOUNTAIN Project, which focuses on building resilience in the face of climate challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting business resilience. The event also complemented ADRiMP‘s mission to foster innovation, research, and collaboration in disaster risk management. The program aimed to Serve as a knowledge hub for fostering research, innovation, and collaboration, Strengthen institutional capacity through networking, resource mobilization, and the establishment of a learning institute, and to Equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change, specifically in the agriculture and food sectors.

The event featured opening remarks by Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, Founder of gapHQ, followed by insightful sessions delivered by a distinguished panel of speakers:

• Dr. Pradeep Gajanayake, Senior Lecturer at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a member of the FOUNTAIN team, presented on the importance of integrating climate resilience into higher education and industry collaborations.
• Ms. Anoja Senevirathna, Director of the Mitigation Research and Development Division at the Disaster Management Centre Sri Lanka, offered a comprehensive overview of the current policies and strategies for disaster risk reduction.
• Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Senior Professor at the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, delivered a keynote address on the pressing need for climate-smart agriculture to ensure food security.
• Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri, former President’s Advisor and a prominent member of the Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals, led a technical session on innovative solutions for enhancing disaster resilience.

The day concluded with a group activity session facilitated by the Sri Lanka Climate Fund (SLCF), allowing participants to engage in hands-on, interactive problem-solving focused on climate change adaptation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to LOLC Finance PLC, the event’s Gold Sponsor, and ChildFund, for their generous support in making this event possible. Their contributions played a key role in ensuring the success of the training program. This program marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and disaster risk management professionals while reinforcing Sri Lanka’s capacity to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. Participants are left equipped with new knowledge, resources, and networks, ready to apply innovative solutions to their respective fields.

For those interested in future events or collaborations, please stay tuned for updates from FOUNTAIN, ADRiMP, and SLCF. Target Audience was 25 participants, including undergraduates, recent graduates, researchers, climate action volunteers, environmentalists, and public and private sector employees interested in disaster and climate risk management.

On successful completion, participants received a valuable certificate, marking their commitment to building a climate-resilient future.