Analysing the effectiveness of varied stakeholder segments in preparedness planning for epidemics and pandemics in Sri Lanka: Application of Social Network Analysis (SNA)

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused severe disruptions in health, social, economic, and political sectors highlighting the need for focusing on the dynamic nature of systemic risks. The cascading impacts of the COVID-19 have already evidenced the systemic nature of risks related to biological outbreaks. Therefore, the emulation of a multi-sectoral approach for preparedness planning related to biological hazards has become a global concern. This research aims at outlining major stakeholders in epidemic and pandemic preparedness planning in Sri Lanka including those who are responsible for potential cascading impacts. The process of identifying stakeholders and their roles has drawn on a review of secondary literature and primary data gathered through in-depth interviews conducted with key informants in the disaster management and public health sectors in the country. Social Network Analysis approach was used to visualise and analyse the network of stakeholders. Findings have highlighted that currently, the preparedness planning related to epidemics and pandemics in Sri Lanka is a health sector-led process. There is a pressing need for a unified legal framework and a streamlined system of governance for risk management related to biological hazards in the country. Furthermore, it is important to broaden the scope of stakeholders involved in preparedness planning for biological hazards and to include the private sector, international development agencies, and community-based organisations. Moreover, there is a need to intensify the national focus on building economic and social resilience to address the potential cascading impacts. Key findings of this study will help to enhance the effectiveness of preparedness planning for biological hazards, through a multi-sectoral approach operational under a unified legal framework