Vidullanka PLC joined the Irrigation Department to enhance an existing early warning system to protect communities from floods. Herein, the two organizations joined hands by donating an online monitoring system to the Colombo Regional office.

The system was implemented with the consent of Eng. (Mrs.) P.M. Jayadeera – Director of Irrigation (Colombo), and at the request of Divisional Irrigation Engineer – Ratnapura Eng. Aruna Samarathunga. Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara (Director, Hydrology) and Director General of Irrigation Eng. K.D. Nihal Siriwardana provided the guidance required.

Early warning systems are an essential component of disaster risk management. Early warning systems’ primary purpose is to issue warnings when a flood is imminent or already occurring. The implemented system is an online system that can share the details online and send alert messages to monitoring agencies. It also has the option to share with residents urging them to evacuate to higher ground in the event of flooding. The system will help save lives during annual seasonal floods and provides governments and humanitarian agencies with information.