Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today urged the government to redouble efforts to provide immediate relief to flood victims and to pay compensation to victims speedily so that they can rebuild their lives quickly after the floods recede.

Over the past few days, torrential rains, floods and landslides have left tens of thousands of people homeless and over a hundred dead with a similar number reported missing. 

Issuing a statement with regard to the prevailing situation, Rajapaksa said that this is a natural disaster the likes of which this country has not seen in recent years. 

The Kurunegala District MP expressed his condolences to all those who have lost family members in the floods and expressed his sympathy to all those who have lost property and their homes in this disaster. 

He said that as in all such disasters in the past, it is heartening to note that people from all walks of life have come out to help those affected by the floods. “This is one of the best characteristics of our nation and one reason why we have been able to recover from natural disasters much faster than most other countries.”

The former President called upon the people of Sri Lanka to continue to come out in their numbers to help those affected by the floods and landslides. 

“Our armed forces have as usual been at the forefront of the disaster relief efforts and the whole nation should express its gratitude to these men and women who not only rid the country of terrorism but have helped civilians at times of natural and man-made disasters,” Rajapaksa said.  

He said that the death of an airman during relief efforts shows that members of the armed forces are called upon to put their lives at risk for the nation not only at times of war but during peacetime operations as well. 

“I also wish to request the government to redouble efforts to provide immediate relief in the form of food, water, clothing and shelter to flood victims and to pay compensation to victims speedily so that they can rebuild their lives quickly after the floods recede.” 

He stated that it may be necessary to go beyond what is laid down in administrative circulars at times like this. “It is also incumbent upon the authorities to do whatever is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases after the floods.”