“Never in Sri Lanka’s history have leaders intervened to provide such financial assistance to the people. We are doing it now.”

With these words, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched one of the nation’s most ambitious post-disaster recovery programs — PROJECT 5M, under the broader “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at restoring homes and lives devastated by Cyclone Ditwah.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for a new house in Alubadda village, Malbeligala area, Galnewa Division, the President emphasized that housing is the government’s top priority.

“Around 6,000 houses have been completely destroyed, and thousands more are partially damaged or located in unsafe areas. Although the final report is pending, we estimate that 20,000–25,000 new houses will need to be built. We decided to allocate Rs. 5 million per house, disbursed in three phases — Rs. 2 million upfront, with the balance released as construction progresses. This ensures homes are completed quickly, within two to three months, without delays due to funding,” he said.

Following the ceremony, compensation was distributed for 26 new houses in Galnewa, Palagala, Palugaswewa, Ipalogama, and Thirappane. The President also met with residents, reaffirming the government’s commitment to rapid recovery.

Later, in Rajanganaya, he laid the foundation for another house destroyed by the cyclone and oversaw compensation distribution for families in Rajanganaya, Thalawa, Nochchiyagama, Mahavilachchiya, Padaviya, Kebitigollewa, Mihintale, and Rambewa near the Rajanganaya Vewa Temple.

“To overcome this disaster quickly, we have allocated Rs. 500 billion for this year alone — the largest amount ever set aside for a disaster in Sri Lanka’s history. This was possible because of the economic stability achieved in 2025. These funds are not mine or anyone else’s — they belong to the people who pay taxes. As a government, we have a responsibility to treat every rupee in the treasury as sacred and ensure it is used for the people’s welfare,” the President added.

Further compensation programs were held in the Kurunegala District, covering Nikaweratiya and Witikuliya, assisting families from Wariyapola, Pannala, Kobeigane, Nikaweratiya, and Mahawa.

With PROJECT 5M, Sri Lanka is not just rebuilding homes — it is restoring hope, resilience, and public trust in governance.