Positive results from Sri Lanka Red Cross flood recovery operation.

I was so inspired today listening to Graham Betts-Symonds one of the consultants on the assessment of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Flood recovery operation, giving us the teams findings. They were impressed by the integrated methodology which provided owner-driven houses to flood affected people in 8 districts, plus latrines, livelihoods, health and community projects. Graham spoke of how the project has strengthened community resilience and brought a strong disaster risk reduction element into the programme. In a long career Graham said this is the most impressive community based programme he has seen.

It is so encouraging to get feedback from indepenent consultants taht you did it right. It is another example of getting the startegy and methodology right. Well done Sri Lanka Red Cross. Read other postings here

Bringing the community to Capital for flood lessons learned.

Mr. D.M. Senabanda from Welangolla village in Matale District addressing Red Cross volunteers and staff in Colombo today on how he, as a flood affected community member, viewed the Red Cross relief and recovery efforts.

Evidence based impact, resilience, beneficiary communication the jargon flows thick and fast in the humanitarian sector.

Today the Sri Lanka Red Cross/IFRC supported Post Flood Recovery operation drew to a close with a Lessons Learned meeting and a celebration. Great to see government officials from remote areas participating and people from communities who benefitted from the programme. Here is Mr. D.M. Senabanda from Welangolla village in Matale District addressing us all and telling us what we did well, and where we can improve. In his own way, he touched on community resilience and how the Red Cross were the first in his community to augment their first response efforts with mobile clinics. Like many others, Mr. Senabanda received funding for an owner driven houses and a livelihood grant. Yes, we do lessons learned at community level, but is is so good to bring in people from communities to our meetings so a wider audience of volunteers and staff can learn at all levels. Maybe Mr. Senabanda should be at the Davos meeting?

One of our field volunteers addressing all the participants at today's Red Cross Flood Recovery lesson's Learned meeting.