Colombo: A special press conference was held today at the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo, chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), to address the severe weather conditions affecting the island and the resulting disaster situation.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the Deputy Minister reported that 19,032 individuals from 5,821 families across 127 Divisional Secretary Divisions in 18 districts have been displaced due to the adverse weather. These individuals are currently housed in 17 relief centers, where infrastructure support, dry rations, and cooked food are being provided. The disasters have claimed two lives, completely destroyed 10 houses, partially damaged 438 houses, destroyed 25 small and medium-scale businesses, and caused significant damage to two critical infrastructures.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed related agencies, including the Disaster Management Centre, National Disaster Relief Service Centre, National Building Research Organization, Department of Meteorology, and the Ministry of Defence, to coordinate relief efforts around the clock for affected communities. District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, state officials, tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, Civil Defence Department, and other relief organizations are actively participating in relief activities. Additionally, reinforcement of vulnerable embankments is being carried out under the guidance of irrigation engineers, as many tanks and irrigation channels are at overflow levels.
The government has allocated 30 million rupees for disaster relief services under the President’s directives. Arrangements for daily food ration allowances have been established, with 1,800 rupees per person, and tiered amounts based on family size. The government has also approved an increase in compensation for loss of life from 250,000 rupees to 1 million rupees.
The Deputy Minister noted that the Meteorological Department forecasts suggest the adverse weather conditions will subside in the coming days. He acknowledged the role of media and social media campaigns in minimizing risks and damages from landslides and floods and expressed gratitude to media institutions and the public for their cooperation with instructions.
The Minister emphasized the state’s preparedness for disaster management, asserting that relevant institutions, including disaster relief teams, are responsible for implementing the process. He urged the public to adhere to government instructions and warnings to minimize potential damages.
The press conference was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Director General of the Department of Meteorology, and officials from the Disaster Management Centre, National Disaster Relief Services Centre, National Building Research Organization, Department of Meteorology, Ministry of Defence, and tri-forces.