The State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon, announced today that all government agencies are fully prepared to address the ongoing adverse weather conditions affecting the country. In a news briefing held at the State Ministry in Colombo, the State Minister outlined various measures being taken to provide swift relief to those affected.
As of now, seven disaster relief centers have been established to accommodate 267 victims from 66 disaster-affected households. The establishment of these centers has been carried out in collaboration with district secretaries, divisional secretaries, and other relevant officials from the Galle and Matara districts, the Defence Ministry said.
Funds have already been allocated for twenty-three (23) districts to enable a rapid response to the situation. Efforts will be made to allocate necessary funds from the treasury to compensate for damages to houses caused by adverse weather conditions.
To mitigate the risk of flooding, one sluice gate each of Kukuleganga and Polgolla reservoirs has been opened. Residents in low-lying areas near these reservoirs are advised to remain vigilant. Flood warnings have also been issued for the river basins of Attanagalu Oya, Ging Ganga, Nilwala Ganga, and the sub-basin of Kalu Ganga. Motorists traveling through these areas are urged to exercise caution in the event of sudden floods.
In addition, level 2 landslide warnings have been issued for several Divisional Secretariats, including Neluwa in Galle District, Ingiriya in Kalutara District, Pasbage in Kandy District, Pitabeddara and Kotapola in Matara District, Kalawana, Aheliyagoda, Ayagama, Palmadulla, Nivithigala, Kiriella, Ratnapura, Alapatha, and Kuruwita in Ratnapura District by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO).
The Meteorological Department reports that heavy rains are expected to persist for the next two days.
The State Minister of Defence emphasized that various government agencies, including the Disaster Management Centre, Disaster Relief Service Centre, District Governor's Offices, Divisional Secretariat Offices, the Armed Forces, and the Civil Security Department, are fully prepared to respond to any emergency situations that may arise in the future. Swift action and assistance will continue to be provided to all those affected by adverse weather conditions across the nation.
