Govt. disburses over Rs. 13 b in relief

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma

• Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma says ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ efforts intensifying

The Government has disbursed over Rs. 13 billion so far to support relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts following the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said, outlining the scale and coordination of the Government’s ongoing response.

Dr. Suriyapperuma stated that the disbursements were made through supplementary Budget approvals proposed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and subsequently approved by Parliament. 

“As of now, the actual amount of disbursements have exceeded Rs. 13 billion, based on the approvals and supplementary Budgets that were passed through Parliament,” he said, adding that the focus has been on ensuring rapid flow of funds and resources to affected communities.

He noted that arrangements are in place to ensure information sharing and data collection are carried out swiftly, enabling donations, goods, and financial assistance to reach individuals and communities as early as possible. 

According to the Treasury Secretary, the Government’s efforts to rebuild Sri Lanka are centred on supporting people and businesses affected by the cyclone, floods, and landslides, with the objective of helping them resume normal life in the shortest possible time.

As part of efforts to strengthen communication in disaster-affected areas, Dr. Suriyapperuma confirmed that Sri Lanka has received another consignment of Starlink satellite communication units from the US, following an appeal by the Government. 

“The donation has already arrived in Sri Lanka, and Customs is facilitating the clearance process so that these units can be handed over to the Disaster Management Centre as early as possible,” he said. 

He explained that the equipment would help improve connectivity with Divisional Secretariats and remote districts that continue to face communication challenges, enabling authorities to better identify needs and respond more effectively.

In addition to international assistance, the Treasury Secretary highlighted significant domestic financial contributions to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund. He announced that the Gangaramaya Temple had donated Rs. 100 million, with the guidance of the Chief Incumbent and the support of its patrons. He also revealed that, through similar facilitation, another temple in Singapore had contributed an amount equivalent to Rs. 23 million in Singapore dollars. 

“These funds will be used for the reconstruction and renovation of religious places and places of worship affected by floods, landslides, and the cyclone,” Dr. Suriyapperuma said, noting that such institutions play a vital role in providing moral support, guidance, and assistance to communities during times of crisis.

Beyond financial aid, Sri Lanka has also received material support, including temporary bridges from several countries to restore connectivity to villages cut off by landslides and flooding. 

Dr. Suriyapperuma said these interventions have been critical in re-establishing access and supporting the movement of people and goods in affected areas.

He further explained that the Finance Ministry has established a live data collection system, with real-time information being updated through inputs from divisional secretariats. 

“We can see through dashboards how the situation is evolving on an ongoing basis,” he said, adding that this data-driven approach allows donations and resources, whether financial or in kind, to be channelled swiftly to where they are most needed.

Dr. Suriyapperuma stressed that all funds received are consolidated through the Treasury, with disbursements made via established institutional frameworks and in coordination with Divisional Secretariats. The overarching objective, he said, is not merely to restore what was lost but to improve living standards beyond pre-disaster levels. 

“The whole objective is to uplift living standards, businesses, and communities, and to ensure a better tomorrow once the rebuilding process is completed,” he said.

Describing the rebuilding effort as an ongoing and continuous process, Dr. Suriyapperuma expressed appreciation for the dedication of Government officials working day and night, as well as the contributions of volunteers, communities, and organisations supporting the national recovery. 

He emphasised that strengthening transparency, information sharing, and coordination will remain central as Sri Lanka continues its path towards recovery and resilience.