The Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) ...

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Abstract

Sri Lanka, being a small island in the Indian Ocean, is prone to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones, lightning strikes, coastal erosion, and tsunamis, which kill a number of people and destroy properties each year. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a significant role in natural disaster management in many countries; however, the Sri Lankan ICT development index was 3.77 in 2016, a low record in comparison to other countries. In this context, we need to probe into why ICTs have not been successfully used for natural disaster management and how ICTs can be effectively used in natural disaster management in Sri Lanka? Therefore, this study examines the use of ICT in natural disaster management in Sri Lanka. The specific objectives are to identify the role of ICT in natural disaster management and issues and implications involving the use of ICT in natural disaster management. Mixed methods will be used to achieve the aim and objectives of the research. Data will be randomly collected using 200 questionnaires. Questionnaires will be distributed among the respondents in Matara Divisional Secretariat division of Sri Lanka, which is affected by many natural disasters each year. In-depth interviews will be conducted with experts in natural disaster management and administrative officers in responsible authorities in Sri Lanka. The analysis will be done qualitatively and quantitatively.