President Anura Kumara Dissanayake joined New Year celebrations at a newly rebuilt house constructed under Government compensation after being destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah, according to the President’s Media Division.

The President visited the home of Indrajith Sampath Senarathna this morning (14) and participated in Sinhala and Tamil New Year rituals with the family and local residents.

The house was completed within five months and is one of six fully rebuilt homes in the Galnewa Divisional Secretariat area under the compensation programme.

Authorities also confirmed that 66 partially damaged houses in the division have now been restored.

During the visit, the President extended New Year wishes to the residents, who warmly welcomed him and reciprocated the greetings.

Several Government representatives and local officials were also present at the event.