- CGES says resettlement planned within months
- Def. Min. issues relief programme guidelines
The Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said that nearly 7,000 people are currently sheltered in relief centres, and that steps would be taken to resettle them within two to three months.
He said that 6,138 houses have been completely destroyed, and that resettling the affected families would take some time.
The Commissioner General made these remarks yesterday (14) while participating in a media briefing.
"Based on data from the National Building Research Institute (NBRO), houses that have been partially damaged and assessed as not being at risk will be inspected, and the process of resettling occupants in their homes will be expedited," he said.
He added that the main challenge lies in resettling those whose houses have been completely destroyed, and that a special Government programme has been planned to address this issue expeditiously.
He further said that all District Secretaries have been instructed to provide information on available state-owned lands to facilitate the resettlement of those who have lost their land.
He also noted that the public can report any issues related to the distribution of relief or the lack of essential services via the 1904 hotline.
Meanwhile, a set of guidelines relevant to the circular issued in connection with the implementation of the programmes to empower those affected by disasters has been issued by the Ministry of Defence.
Issuing a statement in this regard, the Ministry stated that these guidelines have also received the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance and Planning as well as the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
The Secretary to the Defence Ministry, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha has issued the set of guidelines to District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries regarding the distribution of disaster relief funds to affected communities.
The guidelines also include the responsibilities of the respective parties involved in providing the relevant relief. Furthermore, details regarding the allowances and relief to be provided are also included.