World Bank has provided Rs. 30 million to support compensation for damages caused by Cyclone Ditta under a disaster management strengthening project, according to Athula Karunanayake, Director General of the Department of Meteorology.
Karunanayake stated that the Treasury Secretary has agreed to continue implementing the project using World Bank funding until December this year, after which it is expected to be sustained through national budget allocations.
He expressed confidence that the commitment made by the Treasury Secretary would be successfully carried out.
He noted that while the initiative involves a multi-million-rupee effort to address cyclone-related damages, the broader disaster management programme is designed as a long-term project.
According to Karunanayake, the programme will significantly improve weather forecasting and information dissemination through increased digitalisation.
He also announced that this year’s “Monsoon Forum” would be his final one, as he is scheduled to retire from public service on May 15 after nearly 37 years of service.
Karunanayake said his long career had provided him with extensive experience and expertise in the field of meteorology.
He further stated that the Meteorological Department has undergone significant transformation over the years, noting that earlier perceptions that weather forecasting was highly unpredictable have gradually changed with advancements in technology and forecasting systems.
