| Summary: | Though increasing nature of impacts from disasters has made post disaster management a significant area of concern, management of disaster waste is identified as an area of least concern. It presents momentous challenges for those with inadequate capacities due to large volumes and hazardous constituents created, particularly in developing countries. This is equally applicable to Sri Lanka which was severely affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and from three decades of civil war. In this context, it is vital to explore capacities which need to be enhanced for post disaster waste management. Accordingly, this study focuses on identification of existing capacities of post disaster waste management with special emphasise on Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste at national level entities in Sri Lanka. Disaster C&D waste comprises of waste such as debris generated from totally or partially damaged buildings and infrastructure as a direct impact of disasters or from demolished buildings and infrastructure at rehabilitation or early recovery stages. Literature revealed that after the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, collected disaster waste containing a considerable proportion of C&D waste was not recycled or reused at its optimum capacity in Sri Lanka, instead disposing it at landfill sites. Initially, a literature review and document survey was conducted on capacity building with special emphasise on post disaster waste management to identify capacity building principles, strategies, evaluation measures and challenges, if there are any. Pilot interviews were conducted to identify current post disaster waste management practices in Sri Lanka. Multiple case studies and expert interviews were subsequently conducted to gather primary data on existing capacities of post disaster waste management in Sri Lanka. Three case studies which included fourteen individuals and seven experts representing government and non governmental organisations and other sector entities were selected for data collection. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as the main data collection method and code based analysis and cognitive mapping were used to analyse collected data. Results revealed existing capacities, capacity gaps and factors affecting capacity building for post disaster waste management including: skills and confidence building, links and collaborations, continuity and sustainability, research and development, communication and coordination, organisational implementations and investments in infrastructure. Approaches for enhancing capacities in post disaster waste management were identified. They include establishment of a regulatory body and enforceable rules and regulations, promotion of holistic approaches for training and development focussing on indigenous and sustainable methods, development of formal and transparent procedures to establish linkages and collaborations, create awareness on sustainable, environmentally friendly and culturally supportive techniques on disaster waste management. These approaches were identified with the aim to contribute towards achieving sustainable post disaster C&D waste management.
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