The document discusses the importance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Sri Lanka, highlighting the evolution of disaster management systems since independence and the establishment of legal frameworks post the 2004 tsunami. It emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to DRR, integrated into urban planning and community preparedness strategies, while also addressing the global economic burden of disasters, particularly on low-income countries. Mainstreaming DRR into development planning is presented as essential for sustainable growth and resilience against future disasters.