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The purpose of this study is to develop a framework to assess the disaster management mechanism in Sri Lanka by means of the established indicators and newly derived indicators. This could be used to identify the parameters, which should be paid much attention to improving the resilience of the built environment.

This paper initially examines the effectiveness of the existing mechanism using data from a field study, by identifying the parameters needed to be considered based on the existing literature. Then the study continues on identifying new parameters of evaluation, covering a broad multidisciplinary scope inclusive of geographic, demographic, environmental, technological, social, economic and political perspectives. The identification process is based on regression relationships; hence, a framework will be developed to assess the resilience of the built environment.

The findings showed that the existing disaster management mechanism should be improved in terms of authoritative assistance while the humanitarian assistance is fulfilled to a satisfactory level as the resilience of the built environment is often community-based in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, resilience of a certain region could be effectively assumed with the indicators within the developed framework.

The existing evaluation criteria of the resilience framework in Sri Lanka is rather qualitative than quantitative. Therefore, this paper focuses on developing a framework where quantitative parameters are used to evaluate the existing mechanism from a number of responses from field surveys. In addition, recommendations for the key areas to be focused on developing the existing mechanism are stated.

Even though Sri Lanka has established Early Warning (EW) mechanisms and Evacuation Procedures (EP) for the communities affected by the coastal disasters, there are several gaps, which hinder effective mechanisms in operation of disaster management practices. These gaps affect both the vulnerable communities and relevant authorities involved in the Disaster Management sector. This paper aims to identify and evaluate those gaps while providing adequate solutions.

For that, questionnaire surveys were carried out with a sample size of 217 via an online survey (117) among the urban level and interviews and telephone interviews (100) with the village level coastal communities. Data analysis was carried out using statistical analysis of questionnaire surveys and grounded theory was used for in-depth qualitative study.

Primary and secondary data obtained from the surveys were categorized under five themes, namely, response to early warning systems, evacuation routes, shelters, drills and training, effect of having a family vehicle, relatives and domestic animals, evacuation of people with special needs and cooperation with local government units. This paper analyses these themes in detail.

While critically evaluating the gaps in existing early warning mechanisms and evacuation procedures, this paper identifies correlations between some of the gaps and recommendations as well. Input from the international academics were also obtained at different forums and have strengthen the findings to overcome the barriers, which hinder successful mechanisms.