Flood/ Landslide Disaster Review at Presidential Secretariat

Post disaster management meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (13 th). At this meeting President directed the officials to expedite the program to build houses for those, who have fully lost their houses on an accelerated basis. Until such time these houses are built, they should be assisted. He said that cabinet approval has been obtained to pay Rs 7,500 per month for three months initially.

President has ordered to transfer Rs 5 billion from Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) funds to the housing program to build houses for disaster victims. It is relevant to mention the fact here that the TRC Srilanka is coming directly under the purview of the president.

He noted that the Government is in the process of obtaining valuation report on damage caused and identifying suitable lands to resettle them. If there is a shortage for valuer , services of a valuer could be obtained from the Line Ministry or from Local Government staff. Divisional Secretaries of Ratnapura , Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Gampaha and Colombo districts spoke and expressed their views on ongoing relief work.President in conclusion said that priority should be given to hospitals and schools in rebuilding and distribution of foreign aids should be done in a comprehensive and transparent manner.