President directs immediate relief to people affected by rain
September 24, 2019 12:50 pm
President Maithripala Sirisena has directed the relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to provide immediate relief to the people affected by heavy rains.
The President has instructed to seek assistance the Armed Forces on the relief missions and to expedite evacuation of public from landslide-prone areas with the help of the Armed Forces.
The President has also stated that the budget allocations should not be made an issue on providing relief to the affected public.
Instructing to request the Finance Ministry for the funds necessary for the relief measures, President said that he would personally mediate to obtain the necessary funds.
The President stated this at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (24) on the prevailing adverse weather conditions and the program to provide relief to the affected people.
President Sirisena also pointed out the need to manage disaster situations and streamline the relief program for the people without any hindrance at the forthcoming Presidential election.
Over 6,000 people in the Galle, Matara, and Colombo districts have been affected by the heavy rains experienced in the past few days and the relief program planned for those who affected was also reviewed at the meeting.
The Ministry of Disaster Management pointed out that due to the recent drought situation the Ministry had taken measures to distribute drinking water to people in 15 districts and that these activities are being carried out without interruption.
