Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday, 17 December 2025 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
By Charumini de Silva
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday confirmed that the Government will convene a special sitting of Parliament on 18 and 19 December to present and secure approval for a Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate for 2026, aimed at urgently financing disaster management, infrastructure development, and the rebuilding of damaged homes.
Responding to questions posed at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, he confirmed that the Parliamentary session has been called in view of the scale of destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah and the need for immediate fiscal intervention.
“We plan to table the Supplementary Estimate on 18 December and complete debate and approval by the following day to enable rapid deployment of funds,” he said.
The Cabinet Spokesman noted that the Government has already begun utilising Rs. 72.2 billion previously allocated for disaster management for this year, noting that immediate relief operations are already underway even as preparations are made for a significantly larger funding package.
“The proposed Rs. 500 billion allocation is intended to substantially expand the Government’s capacity to respond to ongoing humanitarian needs while accelerating reconstruction and longer-term recovery efforts,” he added.
Dr. Jayatissa explained that Parliament had originally been adjourned from 5 December till 6 January 2026, but the severity of the current situation necessitated an early recall.
He said the decision to convene a special sitting reflects the urgency of ensuring swift relief, rehabilitation and redevelopment in affected areas, particularly where infrastructure damage and housing losses have disrupted livelihoods.
By fast-tracking Parliamentary approval within a two-day window, the Government aims to avoid delays in disbursement and signal its commitment to stabilising communities and restoring economic activity in the wake of the disaster.
He also said that nearly Rs. 16 billion has been disbursed so far to the people who were affected by the disaster under the immediate relief program of distributing Rs. 25,000.
“On average we have distributed this allowance to 50% of the people affected, while in some districts it has extended it to over 60%. This includes Ratnapura 68.39%, Gampaha 73.4%, Matale 65.28%, Ampara 70.05% and Kurunegala 61.4%,” he said, acknowledging that there are some districts that hadn’t reached 50% as well.
Dr. Jayatissa said this is why the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for a fresh meeting with all the District Secretariats.
“We hope to complete disbursement of the initial Rs. 25,000 allowance within a week,” he said.
