The National Treasury has decided to facilitate the distribution of Rs. 1.5 billion to the provincial secretaries to provide dry-rations to the people of drought affected areas through the Disaster Management Centre.
Accordingly steps have been taken to provide dry-rations to the districts of Puttalam, Kurunegala, Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Mulaitivu, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Monaragala. Additionally the provision of dry-rations to the Madakalapuwa, Trincomalee, Ampara, Badulla, Hambantota, Vavuniya and Mannar districts will be completed in the near future.
The decision to provide aid was arrived at following cabinet discussions held with President Maithripala Sirisena to formulate a plan to provide relief to the drought affected populace. Reports confirm that provisions will also be made to equip the affected areas with clean drinking water.
Reports confirm that to date, over 500,000 families from 15 districts have been adversely affected by the most severe drought the country has seen. The President has stated that if the expected rains do not arrive soon, the government will facilitate further provision of dry-rations and basic necessities.
