PDNA and Recovery Planning Guidelines adapted to the Irrigation Sector in Sri Lanka

Analyzing the consequences and impact of a disaster on a number of sectors in order to identify recovery needs and create an extensive, multisectoral recovery strategy is known as a post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA). In addition to macroeconomic, human, and social development, finance, and several cross-cutting themes (government, environment, disaster risk reduction, gender, employment, and livelihood) that are addressed across all sectors, the PDNA process focuses on three main sectors: social, productive, and infrastructure (of which irrigation is a sub-sector).

Infrastructure for irrigation supports the sustainability of the agriculture sector (productive), the environment sector, and the social sector while also enhancing the irrigation sector. To avoid double counting and to guarantee that the data gathered at the sector level enhances the irrigation sector’s priority needs and is well-integrated into the PDNA process’s results, it is crucial to note that from the outset of the irrigation sector’s PDNA, it will be necessary to hold consultations with assessment teams from other sectors, such as agriculture and social livelihoods.

The overarching purpose of the PDNA Guide is to provide enhanced support to the government in post-disaster need assessment and planning for recovery following a more coordinated approach among the institutions of the irrigation sector. 
This guide strengthens present need assessment practice as a practical and action-oriented process focusing on quality, reliability, and inclusiveness by:
1. Facilitating quick decision-making and implementation
2. Providing a predictable and coherent approach to assessment and planning
3. producing a consistent estimation of recovery needs;
4. Adapting to international best practices
5. Following a cost-effective approach by assessing priority needs;
6. Improving the credibility of assessments and recovery strategies
7. Looking for financing opportunities for recovery and reconstruction