Abstract
Global statistics indicate a steady increase in disaster events over the past two decades, with a projected further rise by 2030. According to the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction - 2022, the number of disaster events between 1970 and 2020 was approximately 500 and is projected to reach 600 by 2030. Despite this increase, the total number of people affected by disasters exhibits a decreasing trend from 1989 to 2020. However, there is a gradual increase in expenditure and damage caused by disasters. In this context, disaster risk governance (DRG) has become an integral component of the international development agenda of the contemporary world due to its profound impact on life, livelihoods, properties, infrastructure, and the environment. Accordingly, the international frameworks of universal acceptance such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement for Climate Change (PACC), and existing literature underscore the significance of the governance and accountability to achieve a threshold level of DRG on a global scale. Among the international frameworks, the SFDRR is the most significant framework in terms of emphasis on governance and accountability as explained in section 2.9.2. Against this backdrop, this study aims to develop a framework for DRG based on the principle of accountability that also align with the principles of SFDRR. The research employed an inductive approach, qualitative method, case study strategy, cross-sectional time horizon as well as research techniques including, documentary review, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (GGDs) in three tiers of governance in SL. Ampara, Colombo, and Ratnapura were chosen as locations for data collection based on hazard occurrence and the severity of their impact on various aspects of life, property, environment, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Data collection focused on categories including experts representing, academics, practitioners, professional, and researchers, officials, politicians, and the public, as well as documentary review. Data was collected through 32 in-depth interviews, 6 FGDs, and documentary review to triangulate the accuracy of results. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, supported by NVivo version 14 software.The research findings indicate several positive aspects and effective practices in the DRG system in SL. These include the robust legal and institutional structure, active involvement of multiple institutions, availability of well-trained human resources, well-established institutional and administrative structures, integration of technology, preservation of traditional and cultural knowledge, and positive public engagement. However, the study also identified numerous challenges and issues that affect both the governance and accountability within the DRG structure and the process. Governance-related issues encompass the multiplicity of laws, policies, and institutions, lack of prioritisation, inadequate resource allocation, the necessity for amendments to the Disaster Management Act, competition among government institutions, and challenges related to the political culture are prominent. On the accountability front, issues include the absence of well-defined roles and responsibilities within the system, the lack of monitoring mechanisms for institutional accountability, challenges with public accountability, challenges relating to plan and policy coordination, collaboration challenges among institutions and stakeholders, limited scope, powers, and capacities of the DMC, restricted access to information, insufficient resources, absence of a reward and punishment system, limited public participation in plan development, exclusion of stakeholders from DRG process, and the lack of power transfer mechanisms to the LGA level are prominent.
In response to these challenges, a framework with ten key strategies with multiple sub-areas was developed to address those issues, based on the principles of accountability. The key strategies include clearly defining roles and responsibilities for institutions and individuals; amending the existing legal, policy, and institutional framework; raising public awareness regarding DRG and accountability; decentralisation and devolution of power to empower local authorities; introducing a formal reward and punishment system to incentivise accountability; allocating sufficient resources to support DRG efforts; strengthening monitoring mechanisms; facilitating open access to government information; formalising coordinating mechanisms, and establishing a separate independent institution.
| Date of Award | 8 Oct 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Dilanthi Amaratunga (Main Supervisor) & Richard Haigh (Co-Supervisor) |