Sri Lanka

President Maithripala Sirisena Sunday visited the flood-hit Chilaw area in the northwest to observe the relief services provided to the people affected by the floods.The President met with the political representatives and state officials in the area at the Mahawewa Divisional Secretariat office and inquired about the relief arrangements for the people.

Executive Summary

SITUATION SUMMARY

• Heavy pre-monsoon rains in Sri Lanka continues from 20th May 2018, have killed at least thirteen people, and more than 100,000 people are affected in 19 District as of today.

• Flooding and subsequent potential landslide threat has forced the evacuation of people in low-lying areas where four main rivers have reached flood levels, while four districts were on "red alert" for possible landslides.

The Revised UN-Habitat Evaluation Framework (2016) has helped to increase evaluation focus, coverage and generated evidence performance. The evaluations conducted in 2017 were diverse covering country programmes (Afghanistan); global programmes (World Urban Forum7, Achieving Sustainable Urban Development, Global Land Tool Network); Subprogrammes (Urban Planning and Design); regional offices (Regional Office for Arab States) and Corporate (Mid-term evaluation of the strategic plan 2014-2019) as well as projects and programmes.

The Met Department says, heavy falls, about 150 mm can be expected in the Sabaragamuwa, Western, Central, North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara districts in the next few hours. The Department forecasts thundershowers for Wednesday (May 23) and Thursday (May 24th).

State Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources & Disaster Management Palitha Range Bandara says that a compensation of Rs 1 million each will be offered for those who have died while engaged in occupations during the current disaster situation. Meanwhile a sum of Rs 10,000 is planned to be provided for each house affected by the floods for cleaning activities.

Dengue Update

For the year 2017, 186101 and in the month of May, 2018, 19428 suspected dengue cases were reported to the Epidemiology Unit from all over the island.

Latest Disease Trends

Approximately 30.1% of dengue cases were reported from the Western province. The highest numbers of dengue cases were reported during the 29th week of 2017.

This Annual Report highlights the impact of the Joint UNDP-DPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention. In 2017, the Joint Programme provided support to more than 60 countries, including through the deployment of Peace and Development Advisors. Peace and Development Advisors are at the forefront of the Programme’s efforts, they support the UN system to effectively adapt and respond to complex political situations and identify areas for preventive action.

Several water purification plants have been shut down due to the adverse weather, said Rauf Hakeem, Minister of City Planning and Water Supply. He also points out that the power supply too has been suspended at certain purification plants.However, they will do their best to provide the public with clean water, said the minister.

At least 172 people including nine pregnant women, marooned by the flood waters, were rescued by the Navy. Navy Spokesman Dinesh Bandara said 130 flood victims in Walalawita, 21 in Nikawaratiya, nine pregnant women in Kalawana, nine people at Serathkuliya in Anamaduwa and three in Giriulla were among those rescued.

Dengue update

For the  year 2017, 186101 and in the month of May, 2018, 19321 suspected dengue cases were reported to the Epidemiology Unit from all over the island.  Latest Disease Trends,

Approximately 30.1% of dengue cases were reported from the Western province. The highest numbers of dengue cases were reported during the 29th week of 2017.

SITUATION SUMMARY

• A heavy rainfall was received across several parts of Sri Lanka between 20 and 21 May 2018, caused heavy rains and flash floods mainly in twelve districts, including Southern,
  Western, North-Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.

Eight people have died and more than 38,000 people have been affected by dangerous storms and heavy rains, which lashed central and southern Sri Lanka in recent days.

Five districts suffered major flooding with some receiving up to 35cm of rain in just a few days. The government has issued a landslide warning in seven districts, and urged people in low-lying areas near swollen rivers to be extra vigilant.

With 84 percent of people worldwide identifying with a religion, faith influences local, national, and international decision-making. Across the globe, violent extremism often is couched in religious terms, and religious discrimination is on the rise. At the same time, people of faith and religious organizations frequently are on the frontlines of peace efforts, assisting communities affected by violence. Although religious considerations have been marginal to peace efforts historically, governments and peacebuilding organizations increasingly recognize the importance of religion.

• Heavy rains have been affecting 12 of 25 districts in Sri Lanka (Ratnapura, Galle, Matara, Kegalle, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya and Matale) over the past few days, causing casualties, flood and damages.

Overview

The Government aims to provide universal sanitation coverage by 2020 and to mainstream menstrual hygiene management (MHM) through new water, sanitation and hygiene in schools (WinS) policies. However, there is significant fragmentation of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) responsibilities.

There is increasing recognition that menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a multi-sectoral issue that requires integrated action, particularly from the education, health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors.

Numerous studies have shown that the lack of MHM-friendly facilities and support for schoolgirls and female teachers is a barrier to their full participation in school and thus to quality education.