President in Rathnapura to review flood relief progress

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday visited the District Secretariat in Rathnapura to observe the relief programs carried out for the victims of the adverse weather conditions.

The President looked into each aspect of the programs underway to help the victims, and directed officials to do their maximum in this regard. Sirisena also directed the District Secretary to inform about any further allocations of grants, and advised the relevant officials to implement a special program to rescue people that may still be trapped.

Officials were instructed to waste no time in providing food, medicine and clothes to the people stationed in camps.

The President inquired about the cremation of the dead, and also about the affected houses and wells after the water recedes.

He directed the officials to get the assistance of the tri-forces and the Civil Security Force to repair and build the houses that were damaged and destroyed in the floods. Sirisena also advised the officials to implement a program to help re-start livelihoods of the victims.

During his visit, the President mentioned that several countries have come forward to assist the victims. He stated that India has sent two ships of aid and added that the Government will fulfill every responsibility to rebuild the lives of the victims.

Ministers W. D. J. Senevirathne, Thalatha Athukorala, Deputy Minister Karunarathne Paranavithana, Members of Parliament of the District, the District Secretary of Ratnapura District, the Commanders of Tri-Forces and Government officers joined this discussion.