* Ensure all necessary facilities for rescue and relief services
* Keep the public continuously informed by releasing updated weather and disaster information to the media
* Tourism authorities instructed to provide essential services efficiently to foreign tourists currently in the country
* Expedite compensation arrangements for damaged households and farmlands affected by the disaster
* Focus on strengthening the safety of the irrigation system
The National Disaster Management Council convened tonight (27) at the Ministry of Defence under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The meeting focused extensively on the steps to be taken in response to the emergency disaster situation that has arisen across the country due to adverse weather conditions. The President instructed the security forces and relevant officials to take every possible measure to safeguard the lives of the public and to ensure uninterrupted relief services.
The discussions also reviewed the decisions taken this morning during the meeting held in Parliament with government and opposition representatives, as well as the instructions already issued on disaster management. The Council further examined any challenges encountered in implementing these decisions and considered immediate solutions to address them.
A special discussion was also held on the measures required to ensure the safety of the irrigation system. It was noted that the accumulation of a large volume of water could exert excessive pressure on tank bunds and reservoir structures, creating a risk of breaches. The President therefore instructed the relevant authorities to act with utmost attention and take the necessary steps to manage this situation effectively.
The President also inquired from officials about the funds already allocated to districts for providing relief to those affected by the disaster and the issues that have arisen in this regard. Officials stated that the funds currently allocated are sufficient.
Special attention was also directed to the potential situation along the Eastern coastline due to the impact of the cyclone. The President instructed that the media be continuously updated on weather changes, disaster conditions and high-risk areas arising from ongoing cyclonic activity and heavy rainfall, so that the public remains well informed.
He further highlighted the need to alert the public about the dangers of misinformation circulating on certain social media platforms, noting that such fake news could cause unnecessary panic. The President emphasized the importance of responsible and informed use of social media.
The President also instructed officials of the Disaster Management Department and the Irrigation Department to make arrangements to provide compensation for the damage caused to houses and farmlands as a result of the emergency disaster situation.
The President noted that delays in the flow of information, a recurring issue, often result in affected people not receiving compensation on time. He therefore instructed Disaster Management officials to seek the assistance of the Engineering Units of the Tri-Forces to prevent such delays.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further directed officials of the Ministry of Agriculture to establish a structured mechanism to provide fertilizer subsidies and seed paddy for the restoration of damaged farmlands.
He also stated that the Tourism Authority has been instructed to take necessary measures to efficiently provide essential services to foreign tourists facing difficulties due to the prevailing emergency disaster situation in the country.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa inquired about the measures taken to ensure the safety of tourists currently in Sri Lanka and proposed appointing a Committee to engage with the relevant countries to inform them about the ongoing emergency situation and the steps taken to ensure the safety of their nationals.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, along with the Commanders of the Tri-Forces, senior defence officials and Director-Generals and senior representatives of the Meteorology Department, Department of Irrigation, and Mahaweli Authority attended the meeting.