• Talks underway for protective measures in relief camps
• 1,000 interim shelter constructions underway

With the El Niño weather phenomenon expected to intensify hot and dry conditions across Sri Lanka, authorities are assessing urgent measures to protect people still living in Ditwah relief camps, after the Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Ministry identified the challenges they could face in the coming months.

Officials confirmed that discussions are underway with relevant Ministries to determine immediate protective measures for the displaced communities.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Subject Minister Wasantha Piyatissa said a key meeting is scheduled for 3 August to assess the additional support required by camp residents.

“We have provided them with the other facilities and infrastructure needed. We will be having discussions on 3 August to see what measures are to be taken regarding the particular issue of El Niño,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, speaking to The Daily Morning, outlined the Government’s long-term accommodation plans for those still residing in camps. He said the Ministry has commenced a project to construct nearly 1,000 interim shelters for displaced persons.

“The project has begun by now; 545 in Badulla, 150 in Kandy, 150 in Nuwara Eliya and the other 45 in Kegalle will be constructed,” he said.

Attempts to contact Army Media Spokesperson Waruna Gamage for an update on the housing project were unsuccessful.

The urgency of these measures comes as the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirmed that 1,311 people from 465 families, mainly in Badulla and Kegalle, remain in relief camps after their homes were destroyed by Ditwah.

At the same time, the Meteorology Department has warned that the El Niño weather pattern is intensifying hot and dry conditions across Sri Lanka, while concerns have also been raised over difficulties in sourcing drinking water.