The Disaster Management Exhibition 2024, themed “Resilient Earth,” was a landmark event held on the 3rd of October, 2024, at the FMSH Building. The exhibition showcased diverse perspectives and innovative solutions for disaster management, attracting significant attention from both the academic and professional communities.
The event was graced by the presence of Major General Chinthaka Wickramasinghe, USP USA, CGSC, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Defence and Administration), who served as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests, Dr. Lakshika Liyanage, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities, and Mrs. Imendra Waththuhewa, Acting Head of the Department of Management and Finance, further elevated the significance of the occasion.
The exhibition was organized by students of Intake 41 pursuing BSc degrees in Logistics Management and Management and Technical Sciences, the exhibition was part of the curriculum for their Disaster Management Module in the second semester. The event was supervised by Dr. Kalpana Ambepitiya, the lecturer in charge of the module.
The students were divided into fourteen groups, each tasked with presenting innovative solutions for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for a specific type of disaster. This comprehensive analysis promoted a nuanced approach to disaster management, with tailored solutions addressing the unique challenges posed by each calamity.
Beyond academic knowledge, the exhibition aimed to develop essential skills in students, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, research, creativity, leadership, technology proficiency, self-confidence, project management, and self-evaluation. These skills were crucial to the successful execution of their presentations.
An awards segment was included, recognising the following groups based on their performance in research, innovation, delivery, teamwork, and contribution to knowledge development.
A new category, the Most Popular Stall Award, was introduced this year, with the Wildfires group receiving this accolade.
The Disaster Management Exhibition 2024 was not merely a showcase, but a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing the importance of innovative thinking and practical solutions in managing and mitigating disasters effectively.
