Government will not abandon families affected by Cyclone Ditwah, PM says

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government would not abandon any family affected by Cyclone Ditwah until they were able to stand on their own feet again, describing the cyclone as one of the most severe and challenging natural disasters Sri Lanka had faced in recent history.

She made the remarks on 15 October while taking part in a programme at the Kandy City Hall to distribute land deeds and financial assistance cheques to people affected by Cyclone Ditwah in the Kandy District.

The disaster affected 195,271 people belonging to 58,753 families in the Kandy District, while 7,941 families required permanent resettlement. Resettlement is being facilitated through several options, including 1,802 families on State lands, 1,064 families on their own lands, 2,300 families through the purchase of houses, 757 families through the purchase of land for house construction, and 454 families in plantation areas. Payments to date have been completed for 1,535 families.

Through Divisional Secretaries, steps are being taken to expedite the process and address delays caused by the shortage of State lands and delays in obtaining National Building Research Institute (NBRI) reports.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated: "The Government will continue its rebuilding efforts without interruption until every child has a safe home and access to education. The Government allocated approximately Rs. 500 billion to support people affected by the disaster. These funds were not raised by placing an additional debt burden on the country. Instead, they were raised through the savings generated by reducing fraud and corruption and ensuring transparency. A substantial amount of assistance has already been provided to the public through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre using these funds. Out of the 431,993 families eligible for the Rs. 25,000 payment to clean their homes, 431,516 families, representing 99.95%, have received the payment. More than Rs. 10,787 million has been spent for this purpose. Similarly, out of 172,057 families eligible for Rs. 50,000 to purchase essential kitchen utensils and household items, 167,458 families, representing 99.53%, have received the payment. More than Rs. 8,372 million has been spent on this assistance. Rs. 3,078 million has been allocated to provide Rs. 15,000 each to eligible students to support their education. Out of the 207,162 eligible students, 205,200, representing 99.85%, have received this assistance. In addition, the United Nations and local organisations have collectively provided direct assistance to more than 600,000 people.

There were some delays in providing relief in certain areas. These delays arose due to existing legal provisions, restrictions arising from outdated circulars, attempts by some individuals who had not actually suffered damage to submit false reports, and administrative difficulties faced by public officials. Nevertheless, the Government did not allow these obstacles to halt the relief process. We took steps to resolve the legal and administrative issues to ensure that assistance reached the people who had suffered hardship and injustice. The programme to construct new houses in districts such as Badulla, Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya, with the direct contribution of the Tri-Forces and the Department of Civil Security, has now reached its final stages. The Tri-Forces, public officials, local and international organisations, volunteers and the general public have provided direct support for this effort since the first day. I extend gratitude for their invaluable contribution."

The occasion was attended by Members of Parliament Jagath Manuwarana, Thanura Dissanayake, Thushari Jayasinghe and E. M. Basnayake; the Mayor and other local councillors; Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta; Divisional Secretaries; public officials; and beneficiaries affected by the disaster.