• Instructs repairs to be completed by 31 Dec. using non-returnable infrastructure development funds, wants RDA/PC/LG rds. repaired simultaneously, funding from Jan.
• In Badulla, 64,140 individuals from 19,133 fams affected with 418 houses destroyed, 7,703 houses partially, 6,711 acres of agri land damaged, tells Irrigation Dept. to provide water to agri lands temporarily to cultivate Maha
• Rs. 25k for cleaning and restoring damaged religious sites? 
• Urges progs. to improve mental health of those in camps
• Calls for new approach for debt-sustainability frameworks for climate-vulnerable countries, seeks int’l partners help to build climate-resilient infrastructure

It is everyone’s responsibility to act with proper supervision during the resettlement of the people, according to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

President Dissanayake has also instructed all officials and the relevant sectors to complete necessary repairs before 31 December, by utilising the allocations given by the Government for infrastructure development and not to return any part of the allocations under any circumstances.

The President said that there is no shortage of funds required for the provision of relief to the people and for restoring normal life and that what is necessary in this emergency situation is for all institutions to fulfil their responsibilities through proper coordination without limitations.

President Dissanayake made these remarks while participating at the District Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Uva Province Library to review the programme being carried out to restore normalcy to the lives of the affected people in the Badulla District and to develop essential infrastructure. Due to the disaster situation, 64,140 individuals belonging to 19,133 families in the District have been affected. A total of 418 houses have been destroyed while 7,703 houses have been partially damaged.

President Dissanayake pointed out the need to carry out all road repairs simultaneously without dividing them as roads under the Road Development Authority (RDA), Provincial roads, or Local Government (LG) authority roads. He informed officials that if the funds allocated for this purpose are insufficient, they should request the required additional allocations. The President also instructed that an estimate be prepared and submitted for all roads in the District requiring permanent repairs and noted that funds can be provided to commence this work by January of next year (2026).

The officials stated that 90% of the District’s damaged electricity supply due to the disaster situation has already been restored and that the remaining supply is also being restored swiftly. 

They further pointed out that steps have been taken to ensure that the District’s water supply is provided as required.

The President instructed the Government’s allowance of Rs. 15,000 granted to affected schoolchildren be paid promptly through the intervention of the Divisional Secretaries.

Due to the disaster situation, 6,711 acres of agricultural land in the District have been damaged. The President instructed that the relevant farmers and the extent of damaged land be identified, compensation be provided swiftly and they be directed back into cultivation. He further instructed officials of the Irrigation Department to provide water to agricultural lands at least temporarily, so that the farmers will be able to cultivate the Maha season. 

The President stated that the allowance of Rs. 25,000 provided for the cleansing and restoration of damaged temples and religious sites will be granted through the Cultural Affairs Department and that a Cabinet of Ministers decision regarding this matter is expected this week.

The President also highlighted the need to implement programmes aimed at improving the mental health of the people living in camps.

President Dissanayake has expressed his gratitude to United States (US) President Donald Trump for standing with Sri Lanka yet again at a time of need. The US pledged Dollars ($) two million to assist urgent relief efforts in Sri Lanka, following the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused heavy rains and flooding across many areas. The US also deployed two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to support ongoing relief efforts. President Dissanayake said that the swift deployment of the C-130 aircraft and $ 2 million emergency assistance reflect the strength of the enduring partnership between the two countries, firmly rooted in shared democratic values and close ties between our people.