Sri Lanka Urban Multi-Hazard Mitigation Project (SLUMDMP) PROJECT OVERVIEW Background Urbanizing areas in Sri Lanka are often vulnerable to a number of hazards. The town of Ratnapura represents this risk; it is an urban growth center subject to landslides, frequent flooding, erosion, pollution and contamination of water supplies, subsidence, and other hazards. The objective of the Sri Lanka project is to reduce the vulnerability of Ratnapura to such hazards. The project will demonstrate a methodology for identifying hazards and for selecting appropriate strategies to avoid or reduce hazard-related losses. In this way, the project will assist municipal officials to develop improved tools and skills in development planning and risk management. Demonstration activity elements include hazard and vulnerability mapping, risk analysis, strategic planning, policy and procedural changes, training and professional development, and networking. Two disaster-prone replicating cities have been selected -- Kandy and Nawalapitiya. Objectives To demonstrate a methodology for identifying hazards causing disasters to life and economic assets, assessing the vulnerability, and determining potential losses and damages from a particular hazardous event. To demonstrate a method to select appropriate mitigation strategies to avoid or reduce hazard related losses. To provide local authorities with improved tools and skills for risk management and development planning. Project Profile Project Title: Creating Safer Communities: Sri Lanka Urban Multi-Hazard Mitigation Project Project Location: Ratnapura, Sabargamuwa Province; Replicating Cities: Kandy and Nawalapitiya Hazard Type: Multiple Hazards Project Management: Centre for Housing Planning and Building (CHPB) Project Director: Geethi Karunaratne, Director, CHPB Project Manager: Lionel Hewawasam, Assistant Director, CHPB Initial Project Design: Jinx Parker, ADPC Project Design Consultant (Team Leader); Harry Jayasingha, ADPC Project Design Consultant (Inst'l. Analysis); Scott Ashford, ADPC Project Design Consultant (Technical Analysis) Date of Commencement: 15 September, 1997