Deputy Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) inspected the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) warehouse complex in Orugodawatta today as the newly established High Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) began operations.
The Deputy Minister reviewed logistics operations at the warehouse, monitored the dispatch of essential supplies to disaster-affected areas, and directed officials to enhance accuracy and efficiency in aid handling.
He instructed that all incoming relief stocks be checked, counted, and sealed at both the point of arrival, airport or port, and again at the storage facility.
Security measures were also addressed during the visit. The Deputy Minister directed police to monitor vehicle movements in and out of the warehouse to ensure safe and orderly operations.
A tri-forces oversight team will be deployed to supervise logistics activities. He further instructed that adequate living and sanitation facilities be maintained for personnel working at the site.
The inspection coincides with the commencement of HL-FRAC’s work.
Established on Dec. 8, the committee is chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence and supported by a secretariat at the NDRSC. It is tasked with coordinating all foreign humanitarian relief aid in response to the recent disaster.
HL-FRAC is responsible for managing the entire relief supply chain, including receipt, verification, warehousing, allocation, dispatch, and final delivery. It also operates the Foreign Aid Tracking System, which provides real-time monitoring of supplies and requires regular updates from relevant ministries and local authorities.
The committee is authorized to request information, summon officials, and issue directives as needed to ensure the effective distribution of aid. (Newswire)