A government-backed housing and compensation programme for families whose homes were fully destroyed by Cyclone Ditwa will begin on Friday (Jan. 9) in the Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts, the President’s Media Division said.
The programme is being launched under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake scheduled to preside over the inaugural events.
Under the scheme, the government will provide a grant of Rs. 5 million to construct a new house for each family whose home was classified as fully damaged due to the cyclone. The assistance will be provided in accordance with Circular No. NDRSC/02/04/10, issued on Jan. 6, 2026, by the National Disaster Relief Services Centre operating under the Ministry of Defence.
Authorities said the classification of a house as fully damaged will be determined based on assessments and definitions issued by the National Building Research Organisation.
The inaugural programme will commence in the Galnewa area of Anuradhapura. Parallel events will also be held under the President’s patronage in several affected locations, including Handungama, Rajanganaya and Sirimapura in the Anuradhapura district, as well as Nikaweratiya, Witikuliya junction, Ridigama and Dodangaslanda in the Kurunegala district.
The government said the programme aims to provide both immediate financial relief and long-term housing solutions for families affected by the cyclone.
