President directs officials to ensure unrestricted rescue and relief operations

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed District Secretaries to carry out rescue and relief operations without allowing financial limitations to impede urgent assistance for communities affected by the ongoing severe weather.

During a special virtual meeting held this morning (28) with District Secretaries and Chairpersons of District Coordination Committees, the President emphasized that Rs. 1.2 billion has already been allocated for disaster relief, while an additional Rs. 30 billion has been earmarked in the 2025 Budget for emergency needs. He instructed officials to act swiftly and decisively, assuring that adequate funds would be provided whenever required.

The President further advised District and Divisional Secretaries to use currently available funds immediately and request additional allocations as needed to sustain rescue and relief efforts.

To prevent administrative delays caused by circular restrictions, President Dissanayake directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration to issue a new circular immediately. He also ordered that the management of relief centres housing displaced families be handed over to the Sri Lanka Army.

District Secretaries were asked to submit urgent reports on requirements such as boats, helicopters, vehicles, and rescue equipment, with a dedicated Coordination Unit to be established at the Defence Headquarters to support operations. Ten special hotline numbers will also be introduced to enhance emergency communication.

Additionally, the President instructed officials to document all infrastructure damage caused by floods, landslides, and falling trees and submit detailed reports to the Ministry of Public Administration. He noted that restoration work would begin with the support of the tri-forces once the situation stabilizes.