- Inform District/Divisional Secretariats pre-aid distribution
- Dalada Maligawa and Siam Sect donate Rs. 20 m
A new facility has been introduced through GovPay with the aim of providing relief to people affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. This mechanism has been implemented to make donations to the Disaster Relief Fund, established by the Finance Ministry, more convenient and transparent. According to the Digital Economy Ministry, anyone can now make instant donations at any time through the State payment portal, GovPay. Donations are credited to the Fund in real time, enabling the public to contribute easily from home or any location. The entire process is fully transparent, the Ministry stated. Donations to the Fund may be made through several commercial banks and authorised financial technology applications connected to GovPay. For information on the list of supported banks and fintech applications, visit: https://govpay.lk/si/supported-banks-fintech.
Meanwhile, the Colombo District Secretary Prasanna Ginige has requested to inform Divisional Secretariats (DSs) when distributing aid to flood-affected people, and that arrangements be made to distribute the donations through the respective DSs.
Elsewhere, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) assured the public that there is no shortage of essential supplies in camps housing those displaced by the recent floods. In a statement to The Daily Morning, the DMC’s Director of Awareness Pradeep Kodippili said that relief efforts, supported by Government and public donations, are providing for all necessities. “With the donations of the Government and the help of the donations of the general public, everyone in the relief camps are provided with every necessity including clean water, dry rations, and sanitary facilities,” Kodippili stated. “There is no shortage of anything at the given moment.”
The statement comes amid concerns raised by some donors on social media about how to reach damaged areas and identify those in need, particularly in unfamiliar Districts.
Addressing these concerns, Kodippili advised the distribution of the donations is controlled by the District Secretary and the donors can hand over donations to the District Secretary Offices. ‘By calling the hotline 117, anyone can ask for information about these centres and how to donate. The donations can be handed over to those in need directly without any hindrance,” he said, adding that all areas except Nuwara Eliya are now accessible to donors as at least an alternative route to access any other area are cleared and safe to travel as of now.
Further, the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic), and the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siam Sect have donated Rs. 20 million to support those affected by the recent floods, opening a “Social Welfare Fund” to assist disaster-affected families, the Diyawadana Nilame, Pradeep Nilanga Dela said. Addressing a media briefing in Kandy yesterday (01), he stated the fund has been opened at the People’s Bank branch in Kandy. Those who wish to contribute may credit donations to the following account number - 003-2001-0010 2599. He added that overseas donors may contribute using the SWIFT Code: PSBKLKI. Commenting further, Dela said: “The Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and the Dalada Maligawa have jointly donated Rs. 20 million to the newly opened Social Welfare Fund to provide both short-term and long-term assistance to those affected by the disaster. We have also decided to implement several programs for individuals who have lost their homes.” He further stated that the Fund has been created with full transparency and that steps have been taken to have it audited by an international auditing firm. He added that transparency will be maintained throughout the process and expressed hope that the initiative will support communities across the island.