Interdisciplinary Disaster Resilience Research and Response Centre (ID-3RC)

1. Contribute, at the national level, to the advancement of knowledge, policy dialogue and public capacity in disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction in furtherance of the objectives of the University of Colombo and the public interest;
2. Strengthen Sri Lanka’s national knowledge base on disaster risk, resilience and climate-related hazards through interdisciplinary research and academic engagement;
3. Support evidence-informed decision-making in disaster preparedness, response, recovery and reconstruction through research-based analysis and expert knowledge;
4. Promote the development of human and institutional capacity in disaster resilience and risk reduction within the University of Colombo and in relevant public and professional sectors;
5. Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration within the University of Colombo and constructive engagement with public institutions and other stakeholders in disaster risk governance; and
6. Progressively position the University of Colombo, through the work of the Centre, as a recognised contributor at regional and international levels to research, policy dialogue and best practices in disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction.

1. Research – Generating evidence-based, interdisciplinary research to understand and mitigate complex disaster risks.
2. Teaching and Capacity Building – Equipping students, professionals, and communities with specialised training in disaster management and preparedness.
3. Advisory, Systems Development and Policy Support – Providing expert guidance and designing technical frameworks to inform national resilience policies.
4. Public Engagement and Advocacy – Promoting a culture of grassroots preparedness through community outreach and accessible scientific advocacy.
5. Regional and International Collaboration – Partnering with global networks to share knowledge and align with international resilience standards.
6. Interdisciplinary and Institutional Strengths – Uniting the University’s diverse academic faculties to deliver holistic solutions for multi-sectoral emergencies.

The establishment of ID-3RC is expected to result in:

1. Enhanced national and local capacity for disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction;
2. Improved evidence base for disaster-related policy and decision-making;
3. Strengthened university-government-community partnerships;
4. Increased regional and international visibility of the University of Colombo in disaster resilience research;
5. Tangible contributions to sustainable development and public safety in Sri Lanka and the region.

The ID-3RC serves as an inclusive platform for the University of Colombo community. We welcome a diverse range of academic stakeholders to collaborate on disaster resilience initiatives, including:

• University Community: Students, faculty, and researchers across all disciplines; Government & Public Sector Agencies.
• Government Sector: Policymakers, emergency responders, and disaster management authorities.
• NGOs & Civil Society: Humanitarian agencies, community leaders, and volunteer networks.
• Private Sector: Corporate entities focused on risk management, infrastructure, and resilience.
• Global Partners: International universities, research networks, and development agencies.

Selection for all Centre initiatives and partnerships is driven strictly by academic excellence, skill, and the quality of proposed contributions. Eligibility and selection are determined by the initiative’s potential for real-world impact, its practical applicability to disaster risk reduction, and its alignment with the University’s strategic resilience priorities.