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Last Updated : 2024-04-26 02:12:00
Addressing a media briefing at the Temple Trees today, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned that prevalent inclement weather conditions would prolong for some time, and said cooperation was the need of the hour.
He urged all people and forces to extend a helping hand to save the lives of those affected by floods.
“Our priority is to save the lives of those who have been affected by the prevalent weather conditions.
We cannot expect the inclement weather to return to normalcy as more rain clouds were expected to arrive from the Maldives. More landslides like the ones that occurred in Aranayake could take place in other areas as well, and those who have been advised to leave their homes, please do so,” he said.
The premier stated that security forces and the police would be deployed to all flood affected areas on the instructions of protecting the belongings of the displaced and the ones who were evacuated.
“Some people have been reluctant to leave their premises when they have been asked to, assuming that their valuables would be robbed. But, the police and security forces have been deployed to prevent such happenings. A survey done on the situation in Colombo and Gampaha areas stated that the floods were unusual. I have personally witnessed floods in the Gampaha area since 1975, but this time, the region is inundated like never before,” he lamented.
Responding to a question raised by a journalist as to whether an emergency situation would be declared, the Prime Minister said such a move was not needed as only certain parts of the country were affected.
Meanwhile, Disaster Management Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa who was also present at the briefing said a special insurance scheme had been introduced to assist the flood affected people. He said a colossal sum of Rs. 300 million had been allocated for it, and added that the funds would be spent without considering any circular.
While further pointing out that some 414, 627 people belonging to 98, 076 families have been affected thus far, Minister Yapa said the floods have claimed 43 lives, and 16 persons had gone missing.
“As many as 286 houses have been destroyed while 3, 057 were partly damaged. Meanwhile, some 61, 381 families have been put up in 594 camps,” he said. (Yohan Perera)
Video by Chamilka
Ama Friday, 20 May 2016 04:40 AM
As the climate is drastically changing all over the world, we need long term solution and strategic plan to mitigate any such losses. Problem faced by the people living in these line houses particularly closer to mountainous area should be solved immediately as these innocent people are suffering for a long time. THEY ARE OUR PEOPLE. THEIR TEARS ARE LIKE OCEAN.
Ratnayake Friday, 20 May 2016 04:48 AM
First find a way to feed the people and provide a decent life which you have failed after being in power for more than one and half years. Natural disasters are not the reason why country is poverty stricken. But when natural disasters happen it clearly shows to the world Sri Lanka is a helpless poor country.
Citizen Friday, 20 May 2016 09:07 AM
Ratnayake: What your king couldn't do during 8 years when he was in POWER, you are expecting present government to do in 1 and half years!!!??? Why couldn't your president eradicate the poverty of this country during 8 years??? Get real my friend. Stop complaining for the sake of it and go help some people in need.
upali Friday, 20 May 2016 10:13 AM
Please upgrade our fire brigade to deal with other disasters not only fire. also civil defence & met. dept. via DM Android App
Desmond Jeromme Friday, 20 May 2016 12:27 PM
Sir, please appoint SF to head the FCID and he knows how to tackle the Rajapakshe culprits. This is a common request from the public.
Manuel Benjamin Friday, 20 May 2016 12:29 PM
Try to arrest all the MR
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