The Sri Lanka Urban Multi-hazard Disaster Mitigation Project was launched in September 1997 under the Asian Urban Disaster Mitigation Program. The objective of the Sri Lanka national demonstration project is to reduce the vulnerability of the Ratnapura municipality. The project, implemented by the Centre for Housing, Planning and Building in partnership with the National Building Research Organisation and the Urban Development Authority, demonstrated a methodology for identifying hazards and for selecting appropriate strategies to avoid or reduce hazard related losses. The project
assisted municipal officials to develop improved tools and skills in development planning and risk management. Activities under the demonstration phase of the project included hazard and vulnerability mapping, risk analysis, strategic planning, policy and procedural changes, training and professional development, and networking.