A discussion on accelerating recovery measures and providing relief to those affected by the Cyclone Ditwah was held on March 28 at Temple Trees, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and civil society organizations.
During the meeting, a brief report on the current status of government measures including compensation payments through District Secretariats and information related to safety camps was presented to the Prime Minister by the Chief of Staff to the President and Commissioner General of Essential Services, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
Special attention was given to the concerns of the estate sector Estate sector Malaiyaha Tamil community affected by the cyclone, particularly those without legal land ownership, in accessing government relief and compensation. Attention was also drawn to the need for a policy decision in coordination with the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure regarding this matter.
It was further stated by the Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Engineer L. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta , that plans have been made to accelerate the recovery process related to damages caused by the disaster in 2025. These include the construction of 20,000 new houses, the renovation of 115,000 partially damaged houses, and the provision of financial assistance amounting to Rs. 5 million for individuals who already possess safe land to build a house. Additionally, there are plans to construct apartment complexes with public facilities in major urban areas.
Officials further emphasized that the physical, psychological, and social well-being of affected communities especially women, children, and persons with special needs will continue to assess through civil society organizations, special committees, and sub-committees.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the efforts to rebuild damaged housing have focused on constructing homes in locations that are more suitable and equipped with urban public facilities over the past four months, stressing the importance of maintaining continuous communication with communities and ensuring that reconstruction takes place in safer locations that are less vulnerable to future disasters.
The discussion was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Chief of Staff to the President and Commissioner General of Essential Services Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Engineer L. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. K.C. Dharmathilaka, co-conveners Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi and Mr. Gawthaman Balavan, along with representatives from 33 civil society organizations.
Prime Minister’s Media Division