Disaster Relief Grants See Significant Increase

 The National Disaster Relief Services Centre announced that the government has taken steps to increase the dry food allowance provided to people affected by disaster situations. These allowances have been increased according to Circular No. 01 of 2025, issued by the Secretary of Defence under the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

As pointed out by Mr. Jayatissa Munasinghe, Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, the amount previously given to an individual per week, which was Rs. 1,800, has been increased to Rs. 2,100.

Under the new system, a family with two members will receive Rs. 4,200, a family with three members will receive Rs. 6,300, and a family with four members will receive Rs. 8,400. Notably, the amount previously provided for a family of five members, which was Rs. 3,600, has been significantly increased to Rs. 10,500.

Circular No. 03 of 2025, issued declaring the current situation as a widespread disaster, has authorized officials to expedite relief services. Accordingly, Divisional Secretaries have the ability to carry out procurement activities up to Rs. 50 million without hindrance. Furthermore, instead of directly crediting money to bank accounts, Divisional Secretaries have been empowered to establish local committees and provide necessary dry food items tailored to the needs of the affected people.

For any issues or information regarding disaster relief services, the National Disaster Relief Services Centre can be contacted via telephone number 011-2665258, and the Disaster Management Centre's 117 emergency hotline is also open.