President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today instructed public representatives in affected districts to intervene swiftly to prevent loss of life and to provide relief to those impacted by the prevalent inclement weather conditions.
The President gave these instructions, taking into account the heavy rainfall expected to intensify over the next two days, creating severe weather risks in Sri Lanka.
The directive was issued during a special discussion held this morning (27) at the Parliament premises to review the emergency disaster situation and relief services arising from the adverse weather conditions across the country.
He directed Members of Parliament to visit their districts and assess the plight of affected communities, and further instructed both government and opposition MPs to convene District Coordinating Committees and Regional Development Committees. These committees are to identify current risk situations and potential future disasters in their respective areas, and to act promptly to ensure public safety and relief.
It was decided that further discussions on this matter would be taken up at the Party Leaders’ meeting scheduled for 2.00 pm. today, as MPs’ involvement in relief efforts should not hinder budget debates or parliamentary proceedings.
The meeting focused primarily on public safety, rescue operations, and the continuous provision of health and relief services to affected communities. Special attention was also given to the ongoing Advanced Level examinations and the continuation of educational activities.
The President instructed that cooked meals and dry rations be continuously supplied to people arriving at relief camps, those confined to their homes, and those staying with relatives due to disaster conditions. He also emphasized the need to establish a compensation mechanism for destroyed houses and damaged farmlands.
Additionally, attention was drawn to the irrigation system and its safety, as well as to the protection of highways in areas vulnerable to landslides. (Newswire)