World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr.Razia Pendse paid a courtesy call on Defence Secretary Maj. Gen.(Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne at the Ministry on Thursday(19).
WHO Sri Lanka is supporting the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) with programmes including technical and financial support in the adaptation of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) training and the capacity building of district-level Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) to strengthen emergency preparedness for response.
Dr. Razia Pendse handed over a set of equipment to the Defence Secretary and stated during the occasion, the importance of sustainable emergency preparedness in protecting people from health emergencies, one of WHO’s top priorities. The Defence Secretary, while commending the WHO’s efforts for a healthy world, thanked WHO Sri Lanka for the assistance to the disaster management sector.
Further, both high officials had cordial discussions on matters of mutual relevance during the session.
The Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Sudantha Ranasinghe and National Professional Officer of WHO Dr Sapumal Dhanapala joined the occasion.