Browsing by Author "Kulatunga, U"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 71

item: Conference-Abstract
Accuracy of traditional contingency estimation in the construction industry
(2021-07) Jeyananthan, N; Shandraseharan, A; Kulatunga, U
Contingency amounts are allocated in the construction projects to deal with uncertainties arising during the projects. Contingency amounts are usually estimated traditionally by simply adding a percentage of the estimated contract amount. However, the traditional system of contingency estimation is heavily criticised as ineffective due to several reasons. Therefore, this research focuses on evaluating the level of accuracy of current contingency estimation techniques in the Sri Lankan context. This study adopted a mixed-method research approach. Empirical data were collected using expert interviews and questionnaire survey. Data collected from the expert interviews were analysed using manual content analysis. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse the questionnaire survey data. Findings revealed that inexpensiveness is the highly motivating factor for the rigid usage of the traditional method to estimate contingency in the Sri Lankan context. Estimated contract amount, procurement method, payment method, and type of client were identified as highly influencing factors in contingency estimation. Finally, the hypothesis test of this study revealed that the traditional contingency estimation is ineffective. Since the traditional contingency estimation proved ineffective and highly inaccurate, experts in the industry should consider a flexible alternative approach in contingency estimation to improve the accuracy of the contingency amount.
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Assessing delay claims in terms of excusability and criticality of delays in fidic based contracts
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Jayasena, E; Kulatunga, U
Assessment of delays involves complex decision making. Most standard contract forms do not provide guidelines on assessing delay claims; this is left to the professionals who at times tend to make decisions based on experience and subjective judgement. This will not always guarantee consistent decisions. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism for assessing delay claims in construction industry. Excusability and criticality are the two elements to be considered in assessing a delay. These are governed by the conditions of contract and adopted delay analysis techniques (DATs) respectively. This paper is focused on developing a holistic approach to support the assessment of delay claims in terms of assessing the excusability and appropriateness of DATs. A mixed method approach was adopted for this study with four phases namely; literature review, desk study (based on FIDIC 1999 red book), in-depth expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. Qualitative data obtained through interviews were analysed using content analysis and questionnaire survey findings were statistically analysed. According to the findings, there are 18 major sub-clauses giving rise to excusable delays under FIDIC 1999 red book. In assessing the excusability of delays, the notice requirement, concurrency of delays and the contractor’s obligations of mitigating delays are the important aspects to be considered. In the assessment of criticality, window analysis is the most suitable DAT. However, due to the complexity of the window analysis method, as planned vs. as built method is most commonly practiced in the industry which is considered as simple but less accurate.
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Assessment of community disaster resilience in Sri Lanka: methodological approach in developing an index
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Dharmadasa, KHK; Kulatunga, U; Thayaparan, M; Keraminiyage, KP; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
Disasters threaten communities, causing immense damage to life, property, and overall well-being. In recent years, the frequency and impact of disasters have increased, highlighting the urgent need for enhancing Community Disaster Resilience (CDR). CDR refers to a community's ability to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from disasters. This research presents the proposed methodology to develop an index to measure community resilience to disasters in Sri Lanka. Based on the previous studies on resilience, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted to identify all possible proxy indicators of CDR across economic, social, institutional, physical, environmental, and human health dimensions. The primary data collection and analysis will be conducted using a systematic approach called Q-methodology. As the SLR results generated too many items in the first instance, a pilot study will be undertaken to reduce the number and to identify the most relevant indicators (Q-set) for measuring CDR in Sri Lanka. This Q-set data will be ranked based on how much each expert in the field of disaster management, who will be selected through the snowball technique, would agree with each identified indicator (Q-sort). Then, Q-sort data is subjected to factor analysis to determine the inter-correlation between the results of Q-sorting. The qualitative data gathered during Q-sorting is expected to be analysed using thematic analysis. Finally, the index will be constructed by deriving the weightage of each indicator based on the Q-sorting results. This paper provides an extensive illustration of the above methodology.
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Attitudes and perceptions of construction workforce on construction waste in Sri Lanka
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga; Haigh, R; Rameezdeen, R
Purpose – The construction industry consumes large amounts of natural resources, which are not properly utilised owing to the generation of waste. Construction waste has challenged the performance of the industry and its sustainable goals. The majority of the causes underlying material waste are directly or indirectly affected by the behaviour of the construction workforce. Waste occurs on site for a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented, particularly by changing the attitudes of the construction workforce. Therefore, the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce can influence the generation and implementation of waste management strategies. The research reported in this paper is based on a study aimed at evaluating the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce involved during the pre- and post-contract stages towards minimising waste. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to understand and evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of the workforce. Four types of questionnaires were prepared for project managers/site managers, supervisors, labourers, and estimators. Findings – The findings indicate the positive perceptions and attitudes of the construction workforce towards minimising waste and conserving natural resources. However, a lack of effort in practising these positive attitudes and perceptions towards waste minimisation is identified. The paper further concludes that negative attitudes towards subordinates, attitudinal differences between different working groups, and a lack of training to reinforce the importance of waste minimisation practices have obstructed proper waste management practices in the industry. Originality/value – The paper reveals the effect of the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce towards waste management applications, which would be of benefit to construction managers in designing and implementing better waste management practices.
item: Article-Abstract
Attitudes and perceptions of construction workforce on construction waste in Sri Lanka
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Rameezdeen, R
Purpose – The construction industry consumes large amounts of natural resources, which are not properly utilised owing to the generation of waste. Construction waste has challenged the performance of the industry and its sustainable goals. The majority of the causes underlying material waste are directly or indirectly affected by the behaviour of the construction workforce. Waste occurs on site for a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented, particularly by changing the attitudes of the construction workforce. Therefore, the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce can influence the generation and implementation of waste management strategies. The research reported in this paper is based on a study aimed at evaluating the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce involved during the pre- and post-contract stages towards minimising waste. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to understand and evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of the workforce. Four types of questionnaires were prepared for project managers/site managers, supervisors, labourers, and estimators. Findings – The findings indicate the positive perceptions and attitudes of the construction workforce towards minimising waste and conserving natural resources. However, a lack of effort in practising these positive attitudes and perceptions towards waste minimisation is identified. The paper further concludes that negative attitudes towards subordinates, attitudinal differences between different working groups, and a lack of training to reinforce the importance of waste minimisation practices have obstructed proper waste management practices in the industry. Originality/value – The paper reveals the effect of the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce towards waste management applications, which would be of benefit to construction managers in designing and implementing better waste management practices.
item: Conference-Full-text
Building community resilience to economic impacts of climate change on livelihoods: the methodological perspective
(Department of Building Economics, 2024) Koralage, MB; Kulatunga, U; Ingirige, B; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranadewa, KATO; Chandanie, H
Climate change increasingly impacts the livelihoods of communities worldwide, damaging their economies. This raises the necessity of investigating approaches to build community resilience to the economic impacts of climate change. Thus, this study aims to propose a suitable methodology for investigating the economic impacts of climate change on communities using Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs), an approach under system thinking. A systematic literature review of economic models of climate change was adopted as the best-suited secondary data collection method to identify economic parameters to be investigated. Then, following the philosophical position of interpretivism, with an abductive approach for theory development, is justified as suitable. Considering the credibility of the study, which had more than one data collection method, a multimethod qualitative study was conducted following a survey and case study research strategies. Four staged data collection was conducted following preliminary interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and expert interviews. Three data analysis techniques of content analysis, cross-case analysis and CLDs, were used to analyse the primary data. Then, the steps taken in this study to achieve reliability, validity, and generalisability are mentioned. These findings will be helpful for researchers in structuring research methodologies to apply system thinking in social science research, ensuring reliability, validity, and ethics.
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Challenges in multi-agency collaboration in disaster management: A Sri Lankan perspective
(Elsevier, 2021) Abdeen, FN; Fernando, T; Kulatunga, U; Hettige, S; Ranasinghe, KDA
This study was aimed at investigating the current challenges prevailing in relation to multi-agency collaboration during disaster management and at the strategies that should be implemented in order to overcome such challenges. The study was based on a qualitative approach under which 32 semi-structured interviews were carried out among agencies engaged in disaster management. The collected data were analysed using content analysis. The study identified seven challenges that hinder multi-agency collaboration (communication, environmental, social, political, inter-organisational, intra-organisational and infrastructure challenges) and corresponding strategies that can be used to overcome them. Communication was considered as the dominant challenge due to the lack of a technology platform and well-defined guidelines for sharing data among the agencies to establish a common view of the disaster context. Furthermore, the interoperability challenges that exist among the agencies seems to hinders the effective collaboration among agencies.
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Client’s championing characteristics that promote construction innovation
Kulatunga, U; Kulatunga, KJ; Amaratunga, RDG; Haigh, RP
Purpose: clients or users of products, processes or services are being identified as potential sources of innovation in construction. There are concerns on the degree of innovation within the construction industry, despite having potential to be innovative. The role that can be played by the construction client to promote innovation in the industry is well documented. However, lack of knowledge on the desirable characteristics of the construction client was identified as one of the barriers for the construction client to be an effective innovation promoter. Accordingly, the paper evaluates the characteristics of the construction client that promotes innovation. Research Methodology: the multiple holistic case studies were used as the research strategy and semi-structured interviews were used as the principal data collection technique. Code-based content analysis and cognitive mapping were used to analyse the interviews. Data analysis was supported by two computer aided software namely NVivo and Decision explorer. Findings: clients can increase the efficiency of work carried out towards the construction process, stimulate team dynamics and team action through the championing characteristics which in turn can strengthen the innovation process that lead to the innovative product. Being a team player, promoting respect for people, and knowledge and information dissemination are identified as constituents of the championing characteristics of clients that promote innovation in construction projects. The personal skills of clients such as competence, value judgement, flexibility, and self motivation will energise the success of the championing characteristics. Originality/value: the client characteristics identified from the study widen the knowledge base of the client to successfully engage in construction innovation.
item: Conference-Abstract
Climate change challenges facing Sri Lanka : a literature review
(2021-07) Dasandara, SPM; Kulatunga, U; Ingirige, MJB; Fernando, T
The earth’s climate has changed throughout history and climate change can be identified as an inevitable phenomenon which is being experienced by the whole world. When considering the Sri Lankan context, it is no different to the global context in that the country’s climate has already changed. Sri Lanka, being an island state, is vulnerable to many climate change impacts including high-temperature levels, adverse weather events, sea level rising, and changes in precipitation patterns. The many challenges that arise from these climate-related issues are projected to continue through this century and beyond. Thus, climate change mitigation and adaptation have become the most appropriate ways to restrain these climate change challenges in Sri Lanka. It is paramount to get a broad understanding of how disastrous these climate change challenges are, prior to implementing appropriate responses to overcome them. This urges the need for conducting an in-depth investigation of prevailing climate change challenges in Sri Lanka. Thus, this study presents the prevailing climate change challenges facing Sri Lanka through a conceptual framework, that has been developed based on the existing literature. The developed framework reveals how these prevailing climate changes can lead to a number of challenges. These challenges were identified under three main categories as economic, social, and environmental challenges. The knowledge generated through this literature review will be the focus of future research.
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COASTAL ZONE ADAPTATION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE
(2016-08-24) Johnson, C; Kulatunga, U
Empirical evidence supports that anthropogenic activities have brought about significant changes in our climate. In the instance of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) there is a potentially significant impact from the effects of climate change as the majority of the population resides within the coastal zone, thereby increasing potential loss of life and damage to property during climate related events. Determining vulnerability can provide an assessment of the factors that place communities at risk to the potential loss of life and property and assist in the creation of solutions towards increased resilience and adaptation. This paper explores the literature on the coastal zone vulnerabilities of Trinidad and Tobago with particular focus on the Caroni River Basin, the most populated basin on the island. In addition to the population growth in the coastal zone, key sectors of subsistent agriculture, fisheries, cottage industries, oil refineries and manufacturing are located within the coastal zone. Therefore, this paper also highlights the myriad of vulnerabilities of Caribbean SIDS and outlines environmentally sensitive design solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
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Coastal zone adaptation in Trinidad and Tobago: a review of literature
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Johnson, C; Kulatunga, U; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
Empirical evidence supports that anthropogenic activities have brought about significant changes in our climate. In the instance of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) there is a potentially significant impact from the effects of climate change as the majority of the population resides within the coastal zone, thereby increasing potential loss of life and damage to property during climate related events. Determining vulnerability can provide an assessment of the factors that place communities at risk to the potential loss of life and property and assist in the creation of solutions towards increased resilience and adaptation. This paper explores the literature on the coastal zone vulnerabilities of Trinidad and Tobago with particular focus on the Caroni River Basin, the most populated basin on the island. In addition to the population growth in the coastal zone, key sectors of subsistent agriculture, fisheries, cottage industries, oil refineries and manufacturing are located within the coastal zone. Therefore, this paper also highlights the myriad of vulnerabilities of Caribbean SIDS and outlines environmentally sensitive design solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
item: Conference-Full-text
Collecting primary data for academic research in crisisaffected- regions: challenges and recommendations
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Allali, B; Kulatunga, U; Salha, S; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
Collecting primary data for research is one of the most critical stages in the research journey; it is the practical element of the research that requires access to data embedded in fieldwork. If the primary data is collected from a crisis-affected-regions, the fieldwork can generate a high risk to the researcher. The aim of this paper is to investigate the challenges of data collection in crisis-affected-regions. The personal experience of seven different PhD researchers who collected their primary data from crisis-affected-regions are presented and analysed in the paper. The findings suggest that the risks of collecting primary data from crisis-affected-regions can involve different challenges: some of them are related to the researcher, such as a lack of awareness around the aspects of the crisis context. Some other challenges are related to the research study, such as non-clarity of aims and objectives. Also, within the context of study the main challenge of collecting data is a lack of accessibility to data sources and documents. The paper provides different suggestions to improve the practices of collecting primary data from crisis-affected-regions. These are: providing supportive training to researchers who intend to research in crisis-affected-regions, networking with other researchers with the same interests, increased regular meetings with the supervisor, adapting an appropriate approach for collecting the data, and having a risk management plan.
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A CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK USING IDEF0 FOR POST-CONTRACT COST CONTROL
Kulatunga, U; omotayo, T
Advancements in construction project management have necessitated a comprehensive rethink of construction project processes. Gantt charts and critical path analysis have been produced to create a work breakdown structure which can identify challenges and crucial infrastructure development activities which can have an adverse impact on the project. However, they do not improve the construction process. Integration Definition Language 0 (IDEF0) models present an opportunity for construction project managers to identify essential workflows during construction and improve them. The improvement process is continuous. Hence, kaizen, which is part of lean construction, can be implemented. This study demonstrated the use of IDEF0 in a building construction project in Nigeria where the construction companies have issues with cost, overruns, low competitive advantage and unsatisfied clients. The build up to the challenges identified post-contract cost controlling techniques as an important variable in establishing the challenges above in the construction industry. With the aid of Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, the analysis was carried out to determine the techniques which are most important and effective in managing construction costs during the execution phase. Monitoring building material cost was identified to be the most important technique. The recognised significant and effective techniques were used to build a continuous improvement model with accompanied drivers such as the working budget and monitoring of overheads. The output of the findings was presented in an IDEF0 model with some written guidelines. The model designed in this study can be used on construction sites by cost and project managers to reduce and maintain current costs from the working budget through continuous improvement.
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Critical assessment of the existing disaster resilience frameworks and their applicability to improve community resilience
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) Fernando, MLSS; Ranadewa, KATO; Kulatunga, U; Keraminiyage, KP
Disasters are inevitable and unique; however, their impact on livelihood can be minimised. Improving disaster resilience is used as one of the key approaches to minimise the impact of disasters. Several disaster resilience models were presented during the last 20 years. However, these disaster resilience models have a vast diversity and research has not been conducted to assess the connectivity of the available models and frameworks. Therefore, this study critically reviews the disaster resilience models and frameworks to identify their positive and negative aspects that support the development of community resilience. The research is following a narrative literature review methodology while using selected journal and conference papers from the last 20 years. The models and frameworks were critically reviewed using the characteristics and availability of different concepts concerning disaster resilience context. the study summarises 10 disaster resilience models and frameworks utilised in different contexts. The outcome illustrates that DROP and Regional Resilience of Process and Outcome frameworks are comprehensive based on the availability of concepts. Moreover, the Regional Resilience of Process and Outcome framework signifies the suitability of the particular framework for disaster resilience based on concepts and characteristics. This study enhances the existing level of knowledge on disaster resilience and its understanding based on diversified discussion.
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Critical success factors of construction research and development
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; HAIGH, R
Research and development (R&D) activities are important to the construction industry to successfully address the challenges placed upon it and to be competitive. Identifying the factors that influence the success of construction R&D activities is important as such identification would help the research team to concentrate on the most significant and influential factors and the proper management of them to enhance the performance of construction R&D activities. The critical success factors (CSFs) of construction research and development during its different phases namely initiation, conceptualization, development and launch and at the project management stage were evaluated. A questionnaire survey and a series of semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data from academic members and industrial partners who have been involved in construction R&D activities. It revealed that from the initiation to the launch of the R&D project, emphasis was placed on the stakeholders’ satisfaction. In contrast, less attention was given to satisfying the researchers’ requirements during the R&D project. The principal investigator’s role in leading the project and providing sufficient commitment; effective monitoring and controlling of activities, having a proper dissemination plan and effective dissemination of work were also elaborated.
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Cultural issues of community resettlement in Post-Disaster Reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka
(Elsevier, 2021) Siriwardhana, SD; Kulatunga, U; Samaraweera, A; Shanika, VG
Resettlement is identified as a fundamental stage in Post- Disaster Reconstruction (PDR) projects, which has proved to be crucial in determining successful or unsuccessful performance in terms of community culture. Currently, Sri Lankan PDR projects are in more severe condition due to various challenges faced by the government while providing the resettlements. Good coordination between organizations involved in resettlement and the affected communities is still hard to achieve. This problem has led to socially and culturally inappropriate resettlement outcomes, which are criticized by the affected communities. Therefore, this study intends to address the community cultural issues that were emerged in the post disaster resettlement projects in Sri Lanka. Since the community culture in Sri Lanka is different from other countries, this study should be carried out by following a proper research methodology that has the capability of addressing the research problem in detail. The investigation has been carried out by examination of the cultural issues of post-disaster resettlement projects, which have severely affected for the unsuccessful outcomes of PDR projects. Tsunami and landslide resettlement projects have been selected as the two case materials. The community cultural issues in each case have been discussed with the experiences expressed by the disaster affected community and the professionals involved in the resettlement projects. The findings disclosed in detail that majority of disaster affected communities were not satisfied with resettlements due to various cultural issues related to cultural factors like ethnicity, religion, social environment, natural environment, livelihood and lifestyle. Therefore, proper consideration of those cultural factors by resolving the identified cultural issues may direct the resettlement of Sri Lankan PDR projects to achieve successful outcomes in community cultural perspective.
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Culture and the psychological impacts of natural disasters: Implications for disaster management and disaster mental health
Jogia, J; Kulatunga, U; Yates, GP; Wedawatta, G
In recent decades, natural disasters have caused extensive losses and damages to human psychological wellbeing, economy, and society. It has been argued that cultural factors such as social values, traditions, and attachment to a location influence communities facing and responding to natural disasters. However, the issue of culture in disaster mental health seems to have received limited attention in policy and practice. This review highlights the importance of cultural background in the assessment of vulnerability to the psychological impacts of disasters, disaster preparedness, and provision of disaster mental health services. In particular, this paper suggests the importance of cultural competence in the planning and delivery of effective disaster mental health services. In order to address the varying circumstances of people with different cultural backgrounds, disaster mental health services must be developed in a culturally sensitive manner. Development of culturally competent disaster mental health services requires significant changes in policy making, administration, and direct service provision.
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Development of post-disaster resettlement strategies for Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2022-06-24) Lunuvila, HLJM; Kulatunga, U; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Gunatilake, S
A disaster is known as an unexpected hazardous event that impacts the communities through extensive damage, disruption and potential fatalities, which makes the affected communities seek external assistance to recover from the impact. Post-Disaster Resettlement (PDR) has been identified as a good option to convert the destructive zone into a sustainable society with long term developmental guidance. PDR projects can be defined as a complex process that deals with uncertainty and change the facility partially or entirely by replacement. The success of PDR programmes highly influences the mitigation and preparedness phases of the next disaster. Currently, PDR projects in Sri Lanka are not at the required success level due to different types of social and economic challenges. This study, therefore, aimed to identify and develop suitable post-disaster resettlement strategies for the successful development of PDR projects in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research stance was used for the proposed research as it requires in-depth inquiry into the PDR strategies. The research developed twelve strategies to succeed with PDR projects in Sri Lanka. The required knowledge sharing among parties of the PDR project, and using disaster-affected communities for managing and controlling of the PDR project are the main key strategies. The study highlighted the importance of PDR strategies to Sri Lanka, factors considered when developing PDR strategies, the shortcomings that have been witnessed in past PDR projects, and the possible ways of developing appropriate PDR strategies for Sri Lanka. Further, the study identified the levels that each strategy must implement in the resettlement process.
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Disaster risk reduction infrastructure requirements for South-Western Bangladesh
Wedawatta, G; Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; Parvez, A
Purpose Development of effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for communities at risk of being affected by natural disasters is considered essential, especially in the wake of devastating disaster events reported worldwide. As part of a wider research study investigating community perspectives on existing and potential strategies for enhancing resilience to natural disasters, community perspectives on infrastructure and structural protection requirements were investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Patuakhali region in South-Western Bangladesh is a region significantly at risk of multiple natural hazards. In order to engage local communities and obtain their perspectives, focus group discussions were held with local community leaders and policy makers of at-risk communities in Patuakhali region, South-Western Bangladesh. Findings Infrastructure and structural protection requirements highlighted included multi-purpose cyclone shelters, permanent embankments and improved transport infrastructure. Much of the discussions of focus group interviews were focused on cyclone shelters and embankments, suggesting their critical importance in reducing disaster risk and also dependence of coastal communities on those two measures. Originality/value The research design adopted sought to answer the research questions raised and also to inform local policy makers on community perspectives. Local policy makers involved in DRR initiatives in the region were informed of community perspectives and requirements, thus contributing to community engagement in implementing DRR activities.
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Disaster risk reduction measures in Bangladesh
(2012-06) Kulatunga, U; Wedawatta, G; Amaratunga, D; Ahmed, P.; Biswas, R; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Disasters damage the entire economy of the country when they predominantly take place in developing countries. While no country in the world is entirely safe, lack of capacity to limit the impact of hazards has made developing countries being the most vulnerable nations to natural disasters. Bangladesh is being identified as a country that is vulnerable to climate change and subsequent natural disasters every year. Dense population and poverty has reduced the adaptability of Bangladesh in disastrous situations thus further increasing severity of impact from disasters. Owing to geographical settings, Bangladesh is currently ranked as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries in the world. The frequent natural hazards such as cyclones, storm surges, floods, droughts, tornados, riverbank erosions, earthquakes, arsenic contamination of groundwater and landslides account for significant losses in human lives and physical assets while effects are further reflected in social settings, ecosystems and the economic well-being of the country. This paper evaluates the types of natural disasters Bangladesh is subjecting to, how they have affected the Bangladesh community and existing disaster risk reduction strategies. Paper also evaluates four main domains of disaster vulnerability reduction measures namely physical, engineering, structural and organisational. Existing disaster risk reduction strategies adopted in Bangladesh are linked with the aforementioned four domains of disaster vulnerability reduction measures. A comprehensive literature review is used as the research method. Literature synthesis suggests that Bangladesh is being using a combination of disaster risk reduction measures ranging from technical to social measures.