A high-level consultative meeting was held at the Parliament Complex yesterday (07) to begin formulating a national mechanism for drowning prevention and lifesaving in Sri Lanka.
The initiative aims to establish a coordinated multi-sector framework to reduce water-related deaths and strengthen public safety across the country.
The discussion was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathna, and Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekara said drowning incidents were not merely a social issue but also a matter of public safety and national security. He warned that the absence of a structured safety mechanism posed risks to national interests and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of both local and foreign visitors.
He further noted that strengthening water safety measures was important for the country’s tourism industry and Sri Lanka’s international image.
During the discussion, Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna proposed integrating water safety awareness into the national school curriculum to build long-term public awareness and preparedness.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake highlighted the role youth could play in lifesaving efforts, proposing specialized training programmes to create a skilled volunteer network to support professional rescue services.
The meeting was attended by senior officials and experts from multiple sectors, including representatives from the Sri Lanka Navy, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Disaster Management Centre, Civil Security Department, Police, and the Sri Lanka Life Saving Association.
Officials from the Ministries of Defence, Health, Youth Affairs and Sports, Education, and Tourism also participated in the discussions. (Newswire)
