UNDP and FCCISL partner topromote greater private sector engagement in DRR

The United Nations Development Programme and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) entered into a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to promote greater private sector engagement in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction [DRR].

UNDP’s Resident Representative a.i., Ms. Lovita Ramguttee and the President of the FCCISL, Mr. Ajith Wattuhewasigned the memorandum of understanding  consolidating a partnership which will be invaluable in reaching out to Sri Lankan businesses and identifying possible entry points for private sector engagementwithin the framework of Sri Lanka’s Comprehensive Disaster Management Plan [CDMP], and thereby contributing to the Sendai Framework for DRR.

The ceremony, held at the UN Compound in Colombo, was graced by the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management, Ms. Wasantha Samaraweera, Board Members of the FCCISL, UNDP team and members of the media. Under this partnership, UNDP will provide technical assistance to the FCCISL to establish a Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Unit at FCCISL. The adaptation unit will aimto empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises [SMEs] to be resilient to potential natural disasters.