The purpose of this Act is to protect human life and the environment of Sri Lanka from the consequences of natural disasters by preparing national policies and plans and by appointing centrally coordinated committees and institutions to give effect to such policies and plans. The Act provides for the establishment of a National Council for Disaster Management and defines its internal composition. Functions of the Council include: formulate a national policy and program on the management of disasters; prepare and formulate a National Disaster Management Plan and a National Emergency Operation Plan; facilitate emergency response, recovery, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction; and direct, coordinate and monitor the activities of the Disaster Management Centre established under this Act.