GeoAI project launched to build disaster-ready Sri Lanka
Daily FT: Sri Lanka has marked a major step toward modernising its disaster management capabilities with the launch of the GeoAI for Disaster Resilience initiative at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo.
The programme brings together Artificial Intelligence and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to strengthen early warning systems, improve emergency response and enhance long-term planning.
The event commenced with a one-minute silence in memory of the victims of Cyclone Ditwah, last month’s devastating storm that caused widespread flooding.
The disaster affected over one million people, claimed hundreds of lives and has been described as the worst catastrophe to hit Sri Lanka since the 2004 tsunami. The destruction has also slowed the country’s economic recovery, with major rebuilding efforts still underway across affected districts.
Delivering the welcome address, ADRIMP President Sarath Premalal emphasised the urgency for innovation: “Sri Lanka’s climate risks are increasing every year. GeoAI gives us the opportunity to think ahead to forecast hazards more accurately and ensure our responders have the knowledge and technology needed to save lives.”
More than 20 Government officials and 125 university students have joined the yearlong programme, supported by the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, which aims to train a new generation of disaster-tech specialists through advanced GeoAI learning.
GeoAI Project Lead Dr. Novil Wijesekara highlighted the program’s transformative potential: “Our goal is not only to introduce new tools but to strengthen the entire ecosystem, from real-time data to predictive models, so Sri Lanka can shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, intelligence-driven preparedness.”
Dr. Wijesekara urges Sri Lanka to pair innovation with human commitment, highlighting that technology can guide recovery but people drive it.
Digital Economy Ministry Acting Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala underscored the importance of digital readiness: “Digital transformation is central to Sri Lanka’s future. GeoAI will unify fragmented data, strengthen inter-agency coordination and enable rapid decision-making during national emergencies.”
Disaster Management Centre Director General Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda stressed operational impact: “Every minute matters during a disaster. Tools like GeoAI can give our teams the critical lead time needed during floods, landslides and cyclones. This initiative will directly support our frontline responders.”
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne A. Howell, who also served as the chief guest reaffirmed the United States’ continued support: “Investing in these young minds is investing in Sri Lanka’s safer future. The United States is proud to support this initiative, which strengthens early warning systems, enhances emergency response and builds long-term national resilience.”
OSL take:
The recent disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah has presented many business/investment opportunities covering all key economic sectors in the country. One of the key industries that have presented many business/investment opportunities is the digital industry and related sectors. Sri Lanka’s commitment to transforming the country into an e-economy has resulted in the launch of an aggressive digitization drive covering all sectors of the country. The need for upping the game in the digital industry and related sectors has intensified in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore confidently explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors. While exploring the expanding opportunities in the digital industry, foreign businesses/investors could also look at exploring the emerging opportunities in disaster preparedness and mitigation. Given the growth and profits recorded by businesses already engaged in the country’s digital industry and the increasing business potential, foreign businesses/investors could explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors while also looking at expanding operations through partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20251216/Z_3 |