President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to provide necessary relief measures to the people affected by the prevailing drought situation in several districts of the country.

The President, following a discussion held with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, has allocated Rs. 9000 million for these relief activities, the President’s Media Division said.

Nearly 420,000 people have been affected by drought in the North Central Province and the assistance of the Tri-Forces has been taken to provide reliefs including the drinking water facilities and dry ration for them.

According to the Cabinet decision, Rs. 2,000 million has been allocated for these relief activities per month. Already, steps have been taken to release the total amount of money to the district secretary.

The programme to provide relief measures to the drought affected people commenced today and drought relief were distributed throughout the day in the areas of Mahawilachchiya, Dunumadalawa, Elapathgama and Oyamaduwa.

The programme of distributing drought relief will be held tomorrow and the day after tomorrow too.

The President has also instructed all the concerned parties to pay their immediate attention to offer instant relief to problems faced by the people as a result of the severe drought.

Further, President Sirisena requested all the media institutions to join hands to provide reliefs to the drought affected people.

In obtaining information regarding the affected people and distribution of donations can be obtained from the relevant District Secretaries.

-PMD