President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has urged officials to deliver immediate relief to disaster-affected communities by conducting on-ground assessments instead of relying exclusively on technology. He highlighted the importance of creating a grassroots system to ensure effective relief delivery.
Speaking at a meeting held today (November 27) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President instructed authorities to secure safe shelters and provide essential supplies such as food, water, and sanitation for affected individuals. Adequate funding for relief efforts was also emphasized, with specific attention given to the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which are severely impacted by adverse weather.
The President also asked education officials to address the mental health and challenges faced by Advanced Level students due to the crisis. Additionally, he called for immediate action to identify and assist fishermen currently at sea, ensuring their safe return.
President Dissanayake further stressed the need for follow-up investigations to monitor the well-being of affected populations and maintain high-quality relief services.
The discussion was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Mr. Ravi Seneviratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, and Director General of the Meteorology Department Mr. A. K. Karunanayake, among other officials.
