Swift relief measures in place as adverse weather continues

All government agencies are fully prepared to address the ongoing adverse weather conditions affecting the country, State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon said.

In a news briefing held at the State Ministry in Colombo, he said various measures are being taken to provide swift relief to those affected.

As of now, seven disaster relief centers have been established to accommodate 267 victims from 66 disaster-affected households. The establishment of these centers has been carried out in collaboration with district secretaries, divisional secretaries and other relevant officials from the Galle and Matara districts, he said.

Funds have already been allocated to twenty-three (23) districts to enable rapid response to the situation. Efforts will be made to allocate necessary funds from the Treasury to compensate for damages caused to houses by the adverse weather conditions.

To mitigate the risk of flooding, one sluice gate each of the Kukuleganga and Polgolla reservoirs have been opened. Residents in low-lying areas near these reservoirs are advised to remain vigilant. Flood warnings have also been issued for the river basins of Attanagalu Oya, Ginh Ganga, Nilwala Ganga, and the sub-basin of Kalu Ganga. Motorists using these areas are urged to exercise caution in the event of sudden floods.

In addition, Level 2 landslide warnings have been issued for several Divisional Secretariats areas, including Neluwa in Galle District, Ingiriya in Kalutara District, Pasbage in Kandy District, Pitabeddara and Kotapola in Matara District, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Ayagama, Palmadulla, Nivithigala, Kiriella, Ratnapura, Alapatha and Kuruwita in Ratnapura District, by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO).

The Meteorological Department reports that heavy rains are expected to persist for the next two days.

The State Minister of Defence emphasized that various government agencies, including the Disaster Management Centre, Disaster Relief Service Centre, District Governors' Offices, Divisional Secretariat Offices, the Armed Forces, and the Civil Security Department are fully prepared to respond to any emergency situations that may arise in the future. Swift action and assistance will continue to be provided to all those affected by adverse weather conditions across the nation.