Temporary NIC’s for flood victims

10 February 2011 09:11 am

By Olindhi Jayasundere

The Elections Department said yesterday that flood victims who have lost their National Identity cards should apply for a temporary identity card or that they will not be able to vote in the March 17 local government elections.

“They can apply for a temporary identity card through their respective Grama Niladari’s by submitting two pictures of themselves with no additional costs. However if they do not possess an identity card they cannot vote,” he said.

He said if flood victims are not able to vote in the upcoming elections, the election process may have to be postponed. He added however that this decision lies with the Elections Commissioner who will decide if a postponement of the elections is necessary.

According to the Disaster Management Center, as of yesterday morning in 18 districts 333383 families were affected by the recent floods 3576 homes have been completely destroyed and 23156 homes have been partially destroyed. In addition to that DMC sources said that 33460 families in 523 IDP camps have been affected as well.