The National Disaster Relief Services Centre has urged the public to remain vigilant about the increased risk of infectious and vector-borne diseases as floodwaters and waterlogging begin to recede.

Reiterating the heightened risk of infectious and vector-borne diseases as floodwaters recede, Assistant Secretary of the Centre, Jayatissa Munasinghe, said the health sector is already implementing necessary preventive measures.

He further stated that each Divisional Secretariat has already been allocated Rs. 50 million to provide immediate relief to people affected by the disaster.

Assistant Secretary Munasinghe made these remarks at a media briefing held today (01) at the Defence Headquarters.

He noted that the amounts provided for relief have been increased, ensuring that funds can be released immediately. Under the emergency disaster situation, each Divisional Secretary is authorised to use up to Rs. 50 million without administrative delays.

The Assistant Secretary further noted that, in addition to the funds already disbursed for dry rations, approval has been granted to provide dry food items in packaged form where necessary. He added that Divisional Secretaries have been authorised to make decisions through the appropriate committee, based on the specific conditions prevailing in their respective areas.

He explained that dry-ration assistance is provided for seven days and the amount can be increased if necessary. Accordingly, Rs. 2,100 is allocated for an individual, Rs. 4,200 for a two-member family, Rs. 6,300 for a three-member family, Rs. 8,400 for a four-member family and Rs. 10,500 for families with five or more members.

Given that many homes affected by floods require cleaning to remove mud and debris, he noted that Section 5(2) of Circular 1(2025) has been amended, enabling the government to provide Rs. 10,000 as an initial grant to each affected household to restore sanitation and make the home safe for living again.

Accordingly, Jayatissa Munasinghe stated that the allocated compensation will be provided to every affected individual, regardless of property ownership. The relevant circular was issued yesterday by Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha, he added.

The Assistant Secretary also noted that communication systems in severely affected areas are gradually being restored. He appealed to the public to extend their fullest cooperation to relief officers, who are working tirelessly during this challenging period. (Newswire)

The post Disaster Relief Centre warns of disease risk as floodwaters recede appeared first on Newswire.

Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), Jayatissa Munasinghe stated that the allowance for dry rations for displaced persons has been increased.

Addressing the media, Munasingeh said the weekly payment of Rs. 1,800 provided to an individual for dry rations has been increased to Rs. 2,100, while the amount of Rs. 3,600 provided weekly to a family of five has been increased to Rs. 10,500.

Accordingly, he pointed out that Divisional Secretaries and District Secretaries are empowered to provide dry rations within this revised limit.

He further explained that, under the President’s instructions, the revised rates for providing relief services have been amended in Circular 1(2025), signed by the Secretary of Defence, in line with the current economic situation. He added that the severity of the present disaster situation was also taken into account.

He also noted that, with the declaration of this situation as an Extended Disaster Situation on 28 November 2025 under Circular 3(2025) by the Secretary of Defence, Divisional Secretaries have been authorised to carry out procurement activities up to Rs. 50 million without hindrance.

He further stated that the new circular clarifies that, instead of depositing funds into bank accounts for dry rations, which is the usual procedure, authorities may directly provide food items suited to the needs of affected individuals. He added that Divisional Secretaries have been empowered to make necessary decisions through an appropriate committee, in line with the prevailing conditions in their respective areas.

He also stated that if the public requires any information or wishes to provide updates related to disaster relief services, they could contact;

• Direct telephone number: 011 2665258
• Via the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) hotline: 117

Munasinghe added that the Disaster Relief Services Centre could be contacted through these channels. (Newswire)

The post Allowance for dry rations for displaced persons increased appeared first on Newswire.