While the Minister of Trade and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen was on an official foreign trip, he learnt and heard about the incessant torrential raining resulting in landslides and floods, thus rendering thousands of people homeless.He cancelled his trip and returned to the island on Saturday, 21 st . May 2016. Immediately after his return , he went on an on the spot inspection visit to flood affected Meegoda,Kollonawa, Wennawatta, Kotikawatta, Budgama, Kelanipura on a Navy Boat from Wellampitiya junction. He was accompanied by Chairman of Cement Corporation, Hussein Bhaila, and Western Provincial councilor, Mohamed Faize, Chairman of CWE, Riswan, Chairman of Lak Sathosa,Rohanda and ACMC Secretary Subaideen Mubarak.
Rishad has given priority in rescuing 3,500 people trapped in flood. Rescue workers and people have requested the Minister to stop thieves entering abandoned houses and ransack during night. He made a request to the IGP to detail night police patrol during night in arrears, where houses were vacated due to flood. He has taken steps to provide cooked food and dry rations to flood affected people until they return to their normal life.
