President orders timely disbursement of disaster relief grants

 

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A special discussion to review district-level plans for restoring the lives of citizens under the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme was held today (20) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The meeting focused on assessing progress and addressing challenges arising during the implementation of recovery initiatives.

The discussion was attended by Secretaries of key Ministries including defence, agriculture, irrigation, water supply, fisheries, transport, housing and construction, heads of relevant line institutions, and all District Secretaries.

During the meeting, the President directed officials to ensure that the Rs. 25,000 government grant for house cleaning and the Rs. 50,000 allowance for purchasing household equipment are disbursed to eligible beneficiaries before 31 December.

Progress on district-level measures to compensate housing and crop losses, operate safe centres, resettle affected citizens, restore livelihoods and develop infrastructure was reviewed in detail. Special attention was given to resolving issues related to compensation payments, with emphasis on efficient implementation and ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is excluded.

Extensive discussions were held on resettlement plans and the identification of suitable lands, with steps taken to prepare separate housing project plans for major districts. The President noted that follow-up consultations with all relevant stakeholders will be convened to ensure coordinated implementation.

The importance of promptly relocating citizens from high-risk areas to safer locations was stressed, alongside the need for fair and transparent distribution of housing compensation.

The President also reviewed progress on preparations for the Maha Season, including irrigation system repairs, provision of grants, and the distribution of seeds and other essential inputs to farmers. Discussions further covered compensation for damaged livestock farms, support for restarting disaster-affected small businesses, restoration of the fisheries sector, and the early distribution of the Rs. 15,000 government allowance for schoolchildren.

Additionally, officials examined procedures to expedite the reissuance of lost passports and national identity cards for affected citizens.