President Chairs Disaster Management Council to review response

Friday, 28 November 2025 05:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The National Disaster Management Council yesterday met at the Defence Ministry under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to review the nationwide emergency caused by severe weather.

The President instructed security forces and officials to ensure uninterrupted rescue and relief services and to keep the public continuously informed through updated weather and disaster alerts.

The meeting examined challenges in implementing earlier decisions taken in Parliament and reviewed immediate measures needed to safeguard communities. Special attention was given to the rising pressure on reservoirs and tank bunds, with the President directing irrigation authorities to strengthen monitoring and act swiftly to prevent structural failures.

Officials briefed the President that district-level relief funds remain adequate. He instructed the Disaster Management and Irrigation Departments to expedite compensation for damaged houses and farmlands and to use engineering units of the Tri Forces to avoid delays in assessments. The Agriculture Ministry was asked to establish a structured mechanism for fertiliser subsidies and seed paddy distribution to restore affected farmland.

The President also called for clear and frequent communication to counter misinformation circulating on social media and instructed tourism authorities to ensure essential services for foreign visitors affected by the disruptions.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised concerns over tourist safety and proposed appointing a committee to coordinate with foreign missions.

Senior defence officials, Tri Forces commanders, and heads of key technical agencies, including the Meteorology Department, Irrigation Department, and Mahaweli Authority, were present.