• Cite ‘procedural deficiencies in partial residential property damage grant payment circular’, lack of ‘criteria clarity’ and ‘political speeches’ leading to disputes with public
• Also mention lack of clear instructions on who should receive Rs. 50k allowance and Rs. 500k allowance, list of items deemed damaged household items  
• GNTUA alleges inadequate compensation for GNs involved in disaster-related duties

The Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance (GNTUA) has decided to withdraw from the process of disbursing the Rs. five million Government grant allocated for residential properties that were partially damaged as a result of cyclone Ditwah. Accordingly, the TU action took effect from yesterday (19), the GNTUA noted.

The Co-Chairperson of the GNTUA, Nandana Ranasinghe stated that the decision was taken due to deficiencies identified in the relevant circular governing the payment procedure. He further emphasised the Government should take appropriate measures to ensure the disbursement process is carried out in a structured and transparent manner.

The Government had previously decided to provide financial assistance of Rs. five million to households that were damaged partially due to Ditwah. However, citing major shortcomings in the circular issued in this regard, the Association of Divisional Secretaries (DSs) and Assistant DSs, along with the Association of Government Accountants, withdrew from the payment process. Subsequently, the responsibility for disbursing the grant was assigned to the GN officers. The GNTUA has now announced that it will also refrain from participating in the disbursement process with effect from yesterday.

Furthermore, the GNTUA has alleged that adequate compensation is not provided to its members for their involvement in disaster-related duties.

Earlier in the day, the GN Officers’ TUA (GNOTUA) stated that it would have to consider TU action if the confusion surrounding cyclone Ditwah relief distribution continues.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the GNOTUA Convenor, Jagath Chandralal claimed that frontline GNs are increasingly being pushed into disputes with the public due to the lack of clear rules. "There is no proper criterion to guide the distribution of certain relief payments. For instance, there are two separate allowances of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 500,000 that have been announced for the affected people. But, there are no clear instructions about who should receive which allowance."

He also said that disputes have arisen over compensation for damaged household items. “Some people are claiming compensation for motorbikes by calling them home appliances. There should be a clear list of what can be compensated. The absence of such clarity has placed us in an impossible position. When we explain these difficulties to the public, they come into disputes with us."

"People who were not affected by the cyclone are also visiting GN offices in certain areas seeking relief payments. Public statements by politicians, including the President, about relief assistance have added to this confusion. People come to us quoting what politicians have said. We are the ones who deal directly with the public. We don’t want to launch a TU action at this stage, but we will have to do it if this situation continues," Chandralal added.

Defence Ministry Secretary, (Retired) Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha was not available for comment.

Ditwah affected several parts of the country in November of last year (2025), bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flooding that damaged homes and disrupted livelihoods in multiple Districts. Following the cyclone, the Government announced financial assistance for the affected households under several categories as well as compensation for damaged household items. The Ministry has since issued a set of guidelines on the provision of relief.