University of Colombo Supports National GeoAI for Disaster Resilience Initiative

On 12 December 2025, the University of Colombo played a key academic role in the launch of the national initiative “GeoAI for Disaster Resilience”, organised by the Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRiMP), Sri Lanka, and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka. The initiative focuses on strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and response through advanced geospatial and artificial intelligence technologies.
The launch and sensitisation event brought together over 80 officials, experts, academics, and students from national institutions, including disaster management, meteorology, health, security services, telecommunications, the private sector, and civil society. The event was attended by Ms Jayne A. Howell, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, Mr Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, Mr Premalal, President of ADRMP, and senior representatives from multiple government agencies.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice-Chancellor of the University, emphasised the critical role of young people in strengthening national resilience, stating: “This disaster showed us something powerful, it was the youth of this country who came forward in their thousands, voluntarily and passionately. The future of disaster resilience belongs to them.”
The initiative was conceptualised by Dr Novil Wijesekara and Dr Aslam Saja and is implemented by ADRMP, in collaboration with the University of Colombo. Over the coming months, the project will train 25 government officials and 125 university students, who will implement GeoAI-based projects addressing national disaster resilience priorities. A two-day symposium and public exhibition are also planned to share project outcomes and promote cross-sector learning.