The support extended by the Tri-Forces, Police, government officials, volunteer organizations, and the public during the emergency situation is greatly appreciated.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that providing relief to affected people, resettling them, and restoring damaged infrastructure should be considered a national priority, and appreciated the support extended by the Tri-Forces, Police, government officials, volunteer organizations, and the public during the emergency disaster situation.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Colombo District Disaster Management Committee meeting held on 2nd of December at the Colombo District Secretariat.
Officials pointed out that people affected by the disaster in the Colombo District are being directed back to permanent residences as floodwaters gradually recede. They further emphasized that nearly 110 evacuation centres are currently being sheltered by the affected individuals, approximately 150,000 cooked meal packs per day are required for the affected population in the Colombo District, and these meals are being provided by state institutions and volunteer organizations.
Officials further noted that there are no issues at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plants and that the required drinking water supply for the Colombo District can be continuously provided.
The officials further stated that the resettlement process is being carried out after cleaning the houses in flooded areas.
Expressing her views, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
As the Colombo District Disaster Management Committee, attention must also be extended to areas outside the district that have been more severely affected. Roads obstructed by floods in the Colombo District must be reopened, damaged roads must be identified, and restored promptly. It is also essential to ensure the quick provision of drinking water to the public. Immediate action must be taken to restore disrupted electricity services. When providing aid, proper coordination at district and divisional levels is needed to ensure that assistance reaches all disaster-affected people. A proper assessment must be carried out regarding infrastructure that needs redevelopment, ensuring reconstruction is done in a way that prevents previous shortcomings. Information should be obtained promptly on whether schools in minimally affected areas can reopen on December 16. Schools in other affected areas should be reopened after assessing the situation at divisional level. For this purpose, assessments of school facilities, children’s school supplies, and other learning materials are also required. The Prime Minister reiterated her appreciation for the support provided by the Tri-Forces, Police, government officials, public representatives, volunteer organizations, and the people during the disaster situation.
At the Colombo District Secretariat, over 100 families in the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division who were affected by floods and are now able to return to their homes were provided financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 each from the government to clean their houses. Disaster-affected residents who are now returning to their homes can obtain this assistance through their respective Divisional Secretariats.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Speaker Mohamed Rizvi Sally; Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Ministers of Eranga Gunasekara, Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Sunil Watagala, and Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Western Province Governor Haniffa Yusuf; District Coordinating Committee Chair and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipunarachchi; Members of Parliament including Ravi Karunanayake, Mujibur Rahuman, and S.M. Marikkar; Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara; officials representing the Road Development Authority, Department of Irrigation, Disaster Management Centre, Ceylon Electricity Board, Police, the Tri-Forces; and Divisional Secretaries of the Colombo District who joined via Zoom.
Prime Minister’s Media Division