A special discussion to review district-level plans for restoring the lives of citizens under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme was held yesterday (20) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The meeting focused on evaluating progress and addressing challenges encountered 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, along with heads of relevant line institutions and all District Secretaries.
During the meeting, the President instructed officials to ensure the timely disbursement of the Rs. 25,000 government grant for house cleaning and the Rs. 50,000 allowance for purchasing household equipment to eligible beneficiaries before 31st of December.
Officials reviewed district-level progress on compensating housing and crop losses, operating safe centres, resettling affected citizens, restoring livelihoods and rebuilding infrastructure. Special attention was given to resolving issues related to compensation payments, with an emphasis on efficient implementation and ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is excluded.
Extensive discussions were also 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 would be convened to ensure coordinated implementation.
The importance of promptly relocating citizens from high-risk areas to safer locations was stressed, along with the need for fair and transparent distribution of housing compensation.
The President further reviewed progress on preparations for the Maha Season, including repairs to irrigation systems, the provision of grants, and the distribution of seeds and other essential inputs to farmers. Discussions also covered compensation for damaged livestock farms, assistance to restart 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 measures to expedite the reissuance of lost passports and national identity cards for citizens affected by the disaster.
