President Maithripala Sirisena says a comprehensive programme will be implemented in the future to construct the houses destroyed due to the inclement weather.The President further said that the programme will be implemented based on the information received from the relevant institutions. He made these remarks participating in a special meeting held to discuss immediate steps for necessary relief measures to the affected people by the prevailing unfavorable weather conditions at the Kalutara District Secretariat, yesterday (27).
The final decision on implementing an appropriate mechanism with regard to granting compensation for deceased persons, and providing relief to the displaced persons who lost their day to day livelihoods, will be taken following the meetings with the relevant authorities in the next week, the President said.
President Sirisena also said that Cabinet will take a decision at the next Cabinet to initiate a new process at national and district levels to face challenges frequently arising due to natural disasters.
During this meeting the President instructed the officials to not to limit to the rules and regulations as well as circulars when providing relief to the affected people and further stated to fulfill their responsibilities in a practically and a proper manner.
He further instructed the officials to continuously carry forward the relief measures to provide all the facilities including the food, drinking water, and medical treatment to the affected people. He also said that Ministers and MPs representing the affected areas have the prime responsibility to ensure the well-being of the people.
President Maithripala Sirisena extended his gratitude to the Tri-Forces, Police and Public and non-governmental organizations for rendering their great service for the rescue operations and relief providing measures.
The President conveyed his deepest condolences to the Sri Lanka Air Force member who died during a flood rescue operation.
The President summoned this special meeting as soon as he returned to the country after concluding a successful state visit to Australia.
Ministers Vajira Abeywardena, Rajitha Senarathne,Mahinda Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister, Ajith P.Perera, Chief Minister of Western Province, Isura Devapriya, Hon. Malith Jayathilaka,MP, Local Governments Ministers, Secretary to the President P.B. Abeykoon, Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Kalutara District Secretary, public servants, Tri-Forces Commanders, IGP and senior security officers participated on this meeting.
