President reviews drought relief, orders buy of 100 water bowsers

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday reviewed the progress of the programs implemented by the Government to provide relief to the people affected by the drought which has prevailed in various parts of the country.

The President inquired from the relevant officials about the progress of the programs during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat.

At present, actions have been taken to systematically distribute dry rations among those economically affected. President Sirisena asked about the effective implementation of this task.

He also questioned officials on the progress of the program launched to provide drinking water facilities to the people and further instructed the relevant officials to purchase 100 bowsers to make this process more efficient.

President Sirisena has also deployed officers of the armed forces to scrutinise the relief activities by the Government and their contribution towards this was also reviewed.

The President reviewed the programs implemented to provide water and food for the affected wildlife.

The President pointed out the importance of preparing for severe drought conditions which could occur in the future as a result of adverse weather and climate change. He explained the necessity of preparing as a country by conducting research in this regard as well as with long-term plans.

Ministers Vajira Abeywardena, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Mangala Samaraweera, Faiszer Musthapha, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, Secretaries of the Ministries and the heads of the security forces were also present at this discussion.

Meanwhile, a delegation including Country Representative for UNICEF in Sri Lanka Tim Sutton officially handed over four water bowsers to the President, for the purpose of further expanding the supply of drinking water facilities for people affected by the drought.

Subsequently, the President handed over the documents related to the water bowsers to City Planning and Water Supply Minister Rauff Hakeem, Deputy Minister Sudarshini Fernandopulle and Ministry Secretary Sarath Chandrasiri Vithana.