Marina Ten

Deputy Resident Representative at @UNDPSrilanka in #UNDPAsiaPac, before with #UNDPEurasia. All views are mine.

[Marina Ten @mtenundp]

Attending the official handover of advanced laboratory equipment to 6 institutions yesterday under @theGEF funded project on chemicals and healthcare waste management was a timely reminder that protecting people and the planet begins with strong national systems.

This investment valued at approximately Rs. 204 million will strengthen #SriLanka’s capacity to detect, analyse and regulate hazardous chemicals, including mercury, persistent organic pollutants and other chemicals of concern. It also reinforces the institutions working at the frontline of public and environmental protection, from border and market controls to laboratory analysis, research and regulatory oversight.

Beyond the equipment itself, the message is clear: sustainability, coordination and long-term ownership will be key to ensuring these investments continue to serve Sri Lanka well.

@UNDP is proud to support this important milestone, in partnership with the @Min_of_Env_SL and with the valued support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

🌏 Strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics across South Asia!

Today marked the opening of the Civil Registration Professionals of South Asia (CR8) meeting in #Colombo, #SriLanka bringing together delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).

Hosted by the Registrar General's Department of Sri Lanka, in partnership with @UNESCAP, @UNICEF and @VitalStrat , the three-day meeting provides a platform to discuss key priorities including digital transformation, data governance, interoperability, and inclusive civil registration systems that leave no one behind.

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

Digital tools alone don’t transform systems, but people and processes do.

Through the #OneRegistry initiative, @UNDP and @WHOSriLanka, together with the Registrar General’s Department, are supporting the Government to rethink how vital services are delivered, simplifying and modernizing the issuance of birth, marriage, and death certificates.

Technology plays a role, but it succeeds because the system behind it has been redesigned.

Explore how this transformation is taking shape in @aselawaid ’s latest article @TheMorningLK : https://t.co/1FgCn7Ts11

[UNDP in Asia and the Pacific @UNDPasiapac]

What are the core challenges facing micro-entrepreneurs? @AzusaKubota shares in this op-ed some crucial takeaways from 🇱🇰 that resonate for Asia-Pacific microbusinesses:

⚠️ “Resilience” often means shrinking to survive
📉 Recovery is uneven; microenterprises lag behind
📍 The gap isn’t lack of available financing but last-mile access
🛑 Informal debt is growing and this deepens vulnerability
❌ One-size solutions don’t work

Recommended reading⤵️

[Alexander De Croo 🇺🇳 @alexanderdecroo]

.@UNDP is gravely concerned by reports of damage to health facilities in Iran, incl. the Pasteur Institute.

Health infrastructure & personnel must be protected under international humanitarian law.

Disruption risks essential services & access to care for the most vulnerable.

[UN Development @UNDP]

"I’m working to clear debris from homes... Through UNDP, I earn money, & I’m rebuilding. That gives me hope" - Asad, Afghanistan.

From Ukraine to Yemen, here's how we're laying the foundation for recovery by addressing the full cycle of debris management. https://t.co/bhgwFoVfaf

[Marina Ten @mtenundp]

Thanks to all women for shaping the journey—through rights, justice, and action. #IWD2026

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

On #InternationalWomensDay, @UNDP #SriLanka stands with women and girls everywhere—demanding equal rights, real justice, and meaningful action. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Join us as we work to make justice accessible, empower survivors of SGBV, and strengthen women’s leadership across all sectors.

Read the statement from UNDP Resident Representative @AzusaKubota, turning commitments into action for ALL women and girls: https://t.co/FLcpJbw9IE

#IWD2026

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

On #InternationalWomensDay, @UNDP #SriLanka stands with women and girls everywhere—demanding equal rights, real justice, and meaningful action. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Join us as we work to make justice accessible, empower survivors of SGBV, and strengthen women’s leadership across all sectors.

Read the statement from UNDP Resident Representative @AzusaKubota, turning commitments into action for ALL women and girls: https://t.co/FLcpJbw9IE

#IWD2026

[Marina Ten @mtenundp]

By working together to improve waste and healthcare‑waste management, we can protect communities and build greener, more resilient societies. Let’s keep pushing for smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions—starting now!

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

.@UNDP #SriLanka conducted a post‑monitoring visit to the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital to assess the progress of the urgent disposal initiative addressing nearly 300,000 kg of accumulated infectious healthcare waste post #CycloneDitwah.

Previously dispersed across multiple areas within and around the hospital premises, this waste posed serious health and environmental risks to patients, medical staff, and surrounding communities. @mtenundp, Deputy Resident Representative, joined the monitoring mission together with key government counterparts, including: Hon. Mayor Ananda Sahabandu; W. M. P. P. Weerasinghe, Commissioner, Kurunegala Municipal Council; and Dr. Mihiri Priyangani, Directress, Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.

#HealthCareWasteManagement @UNDPplanet @UNDPasiapac @UNSriLanka

[UNDP Anti-Corruption @UNDPGAIN]

From paper-based reporting to digital oversight 📊

📘 Curious about how digital tools are helping build more transparent and accountable public procurement in Sri Lanka? Read the full story here 👇

https://t.co/uHkUPjprpJ

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

(1/2) On the sidelines of the #WorldEconomicForum2026, the @UNDP Administrator @alexanderdecroo held a high-level meeting with the Hon. Prime Minister of #SriLanka, @Dr_HariniA.

The discussion focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership of nearly 60 years with the Government of Sri Lanka and accelerating recovery efforts following #CycloneDitwah. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the millions affected by recent floods, prioritizing evidence-based recovery through rapid assessments like UNDP's #RAPIDA and leadership on the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

#CycloneDitwah made landfall along #SriLanka’s eastern coast on 28 Nov 2025. In response, the Disaster Management Center and @UNDP launched RAPIDA, combining GIS analysis with Key Informant Interviews to capture local perspectives on damage, response actions, and early recovery priorities across the most affected districts.This report presents findings from 510 KIIs across 85 DS Divisions in the 22 most affected districts, capturing local perspectives on impacts, response actions, and early recovery needs.

Explore the data and analysis: https://t.co/rgEhGsi90g

Developed with technical support from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development in Sri Lanka and the International Labour Organization in Sri Lanka.

@UNDP @ILOColombo @UNDPCrisis @UNDPasiapac @UNSriLanka

[UN Development @UNDP]

Because when we work as one, no challenge is too big.

Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.

THANK YOU to all our friends, partners and followers for your support in 2025.

[Kanni Wignaraja @kanniwignaraja]

2025 reminded us that #HumanDevelopment is never a straight line!
Asia–Pacific faced earthquakes, floods, technology disruptions, and economic shocks. Yet we also witnessed communities rebuild, @UN and partners rally, innovations thrive, and our @UNDPasiapac teams step up.
To our national and international partners: thank you for the trust and connections we share🕊️🙏

[Azusa Kubota Tachiiri @AzusaKubota]

At @UNDP, we are committed to building trust and accountability by supporting the digitization of public services—from partnering with executive and judiciary branches, to strengthening anti-corruption institutions with technology.

Our efforts go beyond service delivery: digital solutions are at the forefront of disaster preparedness and recovery, ensuring vital justice services continue even in crisis. By integrating tools like cloud-based records, remote hearings, and rapid digital assessments, we’re able to safeguard the most vulnerable and drive sustainable development.

Special thanks to our partners, the Governments @CanHCSriLanka and @JapanEmb_SL through ongoing efforts, and esteemed experts from India and Singapore who have joined this year's Annual Judges Conference-bringing together over 200 Magistrates and District Court Judges from across #SriLanka and championing a future where justice is accessible, equitable, and resilient for all.

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

Turning recovery into resilience.
In Rideegama Pradeshiya Sabha, early recovery efforts are underway together with Local Authorities with support from the @UNDP led, @theGEF funded Chemical and Waste Project. Soil from recent landslides is being safely reused for flood-damaged road reconstruction—restoring access while promoting sustainable resource use.

#EarlyRecovery #SriLanka #CycloneDitwah

[UN Development @UNDP]

Displaced people and the communities that welcome them work to rebuild their lives, restore dignity and recover their futures.

From Afghanistan and Uganda to Syria and beyond, we support government-led recovery that strengthens communities. https://t.co/FtsKqiHOrP

#RefugeeForum

[UNDP in Sri Lanka @UNDPSriLanka]

With @UNDP’s support for early recovery after #CycloneDitwah, local authorities in #SriLanka’s Northwestern Province are taking action to ensure safe living conditions through ongoing support of @theGEF Chemical and Waste project.

At Buluwala Maha Vidyalaya, Rideegama, the Rideegama Pradeshiya Sabha is working tirelessly to remove sewage and restore safety for displaced families.

#SriLanka #lka #EarlyRecovery

[Kanni Wignaraja @kanniwignaraja]

From #SriLanka, I spoke with @AlJazeera about moving from crisis to recovery after the catastrophic floods experienced by this country. Five takeaways:
1/ Once‑in‑50-to-100-year events stretch preparedness beyond what any country can readily have in place. And yet, such shocks may be a more frequently occurring reality.
2/ The need to build-out more robust early‑warning systems with new satellite and AI tech is a must. With preparedness efforts that take nothing for granted as 'seen before'.
3/ Cost and quality of Financing is decisive: Sri Lanka cannot take on expensive new debt to reconstruct; the country needs affordable recovery finance beyond relief.
4/ Tech‑enabled, cross‑sector data and systems, and learning from global best practice, can help shorten response and recovery time.
5/ Communities are already responding—this precious social capital is real hope. The international community needs to step in behind this, to quicken and to scale.
Short interview here↩️ @UNDPSriLanka @UNSriLanka @MFA_SriLanka