Distribution of aid, compensation after Ditwah: Officials face public pressure

Colombo, Dec. 11 (Daily Mirror) - Officials involved in distributing relief and compensation in the aftermath of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, which left severe destruction across Sri Lanka are increasingly coming under pressure from multiple fronts, Daily Mirror learns.

Sources close to the matter said tensions have escalated particularly during the distribution of compensation for damages to cultivation, livestock, and small businesses.

A senior official said that although clear guidelines have been issued, field officers are being confronted daily by individuals demanding payments they are not entitled to.

According to a recent government circular, only registered livestock farms are eligible to receive the Rs. 20,000 compensation allocated for livestock losses. However, officials claim that some unregistered farm owners have been insistently demanding the same benefit, placing additional strain on already overwhelmed teams.

The circular also specifies that Rs.15,000 should be provided for crop damages or for the replanting of paddy, grains, maize, and other field crops. Yet, officers say many farmers engaged in other forms of cultivation are pressuring them for similar payouts.

“When we report these issues to higher authorities, we are told to stick to the circular and resolve matters as amicably as possible,” an official said.

Officials said they also face criticism when assessing damage to homes and buildings, as disputes often arise over their valuations.

“People ask, ‘Why are they getting this amount? What about us?’” one officer said. “But we have been told to conduct assessments in a transparent and equitable manner, and we try our level best. We will complete the duties given to us.”

However, they insist that despite challenges, they remain committed to completing their duties as instructed and ensuring fairness throughout the process.

This situation follows in the backdrop where officers have been instructed to complete the entire relief and compensation process before the end of this month.

Meanwhile, Grama Niladhari (GN) Officers, who handle much of the frontline work in affected communities also lament that they are also under intense pressure.

They say pressure is also coming from various political groups, which sometimes attempt to influence aid distribution and the management of temporary shelters.

As frontline State officials, GN officers work closest to the grassroots. They understand the communities, the terrain, and the realities on the ground better than any visiting official. As the first point of contact for many affected families, they play a vital role in assessing needs, coordinating relief, and maintaining accurate records.

Given this responsibility, it is essential that they are allowed reasonable independence, authority, and resources to perform their duties without undue pressure or interference. Politicians, too, have an important role in disaster situations but it is not to micromanage or disrupt the work of officers handling frontline operations.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Committee appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reconvened yesterday (10) for the second day in a row as authorities work to streamline international assistance reaching those most affected.

The eight-member committee, chaired by Deputy Defence Minister and retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, has been tasked with overseeing how foreign aid is received, organised, and distributed.