The Kandy District Secretary has dismissed claims that 1,000 people have died in Gampola alone following the floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
The official made the statement during a meeting with several members of Parliament, responding to a question from MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who raised concerns about discrepancies in the reported death toll. The secretary acknowledged that inconsistencies in casualty figures are common during disasters, as rescue and recovery efforts are still ongoing.
Officials also addressed concerns about remote villages being cut off, with limited access to food and other essential supplies due to damaged roads. Authorities said efforts are underway to restore access as quickly as possible.
Among the MPs present were Mano Ganesan, Dilith Jayaweera, and Sujeewa Senasinghe. (Newswire)