Government's Swift Response to Natural Disaster

 A series of high-level special discussions, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, commenced this morning at the Ministry of Defence, aiming to manage the adverse weather conditions affecting the entire island and the resulting disaster situations.

Government Chief Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, revealed at the commencement of today's parliamentary session that the President had invited all party leaders and Members of Parliament to participate in this discussion, with the aim of making swift decisions to address the disaster situation.

Concurrently, during a discussion held with District Secretaries via an online platform (Zoom) from the Ministry of Defence, the President instructed officials to implement disaster relief services efficiently and without any hindrance, and to immediately request the necessary financial provisions for these efforts.

The government has already allocated Rs. 1200 million (Rs. 1.2 billion) for ongoing disaster relief operations, and it was also mentioned that an additional Rs. 30 billion has been allocated through the 2025 budget for emergency needs.

Considering the severe disaster situation prevailing in the country, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Kurunegala District MP J.C. Alawathuwala requested in Parliament that a state of emergency be declared immediately. Furthermore, Police Headquarters has taken steps to cancel all leave and day-offs for police officers to assist in the systematic continuation of disaster relief operations.

Furthermore, as a precautionary measure, the Electricity Board has temporarily disconnected power supply in flood-affected areas. Authorities have also decided to suspend trading activities on the Colombo Stock Exchange today (28) at 12:30 PM due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.