Lanka Sathosa network steps in for urgent dry ration delivery

Lanka Sathosa outlets, under the direction of the Minister of Industry and Commerce is joining relief work in flooded areas. The network warehouses and outlets started packing dry ration supplies for immediate distribution by mid-day of 29 May.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen visited some flood-hit areas in Baduraliya and Lathpandura in Agalawatte areas on 27 May afternoon. “Lanka Sathosa outlets in Mathugama area have already been instructed to help in relief efforts,” Minister Bathiudeen said. 

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen visits flood affected areas of Baduraliya in Agalawatte and meets Buddhist priests in the Lathpandura village to inquire about their wellbeing on 27 May. 

“The flood situation here is heavy. To prevent shortages of essentials to the affected areas, Lanka Sathosa outlets in this area have been directed to help in relief efforts. Lanka Sathosa outlets in the Mathugama area have already been instructed to help in relief efforts,” added Bathiudeen who was joined by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs and Kaluthara District MP Palitha Thevarapperuma.

Accordingly, on the direction of Minister Bathiudeen to supply the affected people without any delays, the Ministry, after a review on the morning of Monday (29 May) concluded that all Lanka Sathosa outlets in flood affected areas as having sufficient dry-rations and essential items, and the stocks could be taken out for immediate distribution. The stock levels are strong, and in fact, could be availed from the Lanka Sathosa warehouses without any supply shortages. The supplies are to be distributed through District and Divisional Secretariats in flooded areas. On 29 May morning, the Ministry promptly informed the Divisional Secretariats (DS) in affected Districts that the DS officials, by immediately contacting the Ministry directly, or a Lanka Sathosa regional office or even a nearby Lanka Sathosa outlet, can avail of  the required stocks for affected people without making any payments. Once the stocks are collected free of charge by the DS officials, they can distribute the rations to the affected people free of charge. “All costs of such stocks issued by Lanka Sathosa system to DS officials in affected areas are to be logged and then later reimbursed by the Government back to Lanka Sathosa,” said Secretary of Ministry of Industry and Commerce Chinthana Lokuhetti, after determining the latest Lanka Sathosa stock status on the morning of 29 May.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen visits flood affected areas of Baduraliya in Agalawatte with Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs (and Kalutara District MP)  Palitha Thevarapperuma on 27 May