Public urged not to panic during today’s tsunami drill – DMC Director General
The public is urged not to panic or create unnecessary fear, as this is only a drill, said the Director General of the Disaster Management Center (DMC), Retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (4) at the Government Information Department, he said all arrangements have been made to conduct the drill in conjunction with World Tsunami Disaster Awareness Day.
The exercise will take place in selected Grama Niladhari Divisions in Batticaloa, Galle, Jaffna, and Kalutara districts. The Director General emphasized that the program is purely a drill, and if a real tsunami threat occurs, the exercise will be immediately halted and official national tsunami warnings will be issued.
Two international observers will monitor the program, conducted under UNESCO guidelines. Major General Kotuwegoda said it is a significant achievement that Sri Lanka is recognized as a tsunami-prepared nation.
He further explained that 28 countries in the Indian Ocean region will take part in the exercise, which aims to test early warning systems, validate operational procedures, and strengthen community preparedness.
