(UTV|COLOMBO) – President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday (21) directed the relevant Authorities to provide immediate relief to the people affected by the adverse weather conditions throughout the country.
The President said funding should not be considered a problem in this endeavour and as such the relevant Authorities should find out the relief which should be given by the Government and provide it without any delay.
The President Media Division (PMD) said the President made this directive after reviewing the relief work in progress to assist affected people and seeking information from the relevant District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries.
President Sirisena who has also directed that Armed Forces and Police assistance should be sought to evacuate people affected by floods, has informed all parties concerned about the need to provide uninterrupted relief and welfare measures to the affected people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also held a special meeting at Temple Trees yesterday to discuss immediate steps to provide necessary relief to the people affected by the prevailing unfavourable weather.
During the discussion attended by the relevant stakeholders, the Premier instructed the authorities to keep the Tri-Forces on standby for relief and rescue operations.
He also urged Local Government Representatives to work with the Government Agents and Divisional Secretaries in their respective areas in organising relief measures.
The Director-General of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Dr. S. Amalanadan gave details about the current situation and Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs A. A. N. Silva explained the steps taken by Government authorities to provide relief to those affected. The Additional Secretary explained that the Government agents had enough funds to meet expenditures currently and added the situation is constantly being monitored.
The Premier instructed authorities to monitor the situation constantly and carry out relief measures with maximum efficiency. The Prime Minister contacted Disaster Management Minister Duminda Dissanayake and Defence Secretary over the phone to inquire about the latest situation.
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