President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed District Secretaries and Chairpersons of District Development Committees to carry out rescue and relief operations without allowing financial constraints to delay assistance to affected communities.
The directive was issued during a special virtual meeting held this morning (28) via Zoom with District Secretaries and Chairpersons of District Coordination Committees, as Sri Lanka continues to battle severe weather and its aftermath.
The President said Rs. 1.2 billion has already been released for disaster relief and a further Rs. 30 billion has been allocated under the 2025 Budget for emergency response, urging officials to act immediately and seek additional funds where necessary.
To avoid administrative delays caused by existing circular restrictions, President Dissanayake directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration to issue a new circular with immediate effect. He also instructed that the management of relief centres housing displaced families be handed over to the Sri Lanka Army to ensure more efficient coordination and care.
District and Divisional Secretaries were instructed to utilise available funds for urgent relief efforts and to promptly report further requirements, including boats, helicopters, vehicles and specialised equipment needed for rescue operations. The President also announced the establishment of a dedicated Coordination Unit at the Defence Headquarters, alongside the introduction of ten special hotline numbers to strengthen emergency communication.
He further directed officials to document damage caused to infrastructure due to floods, landslides and falling trees, and to submit detailed reports to the Ministry of Public Administration. Once the situation stabilises, restoration and rehabilitation work will commence with the support of the tri-forces, based on these assessments.
The government says all necessary measures will be taken to ensure timely relief and safeguard affected communities as recovery operations continue islandwide.