Rs. 31.2 b emergency funds: President orders unrestricted spending

Saturday, 29 November 2025 00:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake orders District Officials to act

swiftly on relief measures

District Secretaries, Development Committee Chairpersons told to spend on rescue, relief operations without allowing funding concerns to slow response efforts
Rs. 1.2 b already released for disaster relief; a further Rs. 30 b set aside in 2025 Budget for emergencies

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed District Secretaries and District Development Committee Chairpersons to proceed with rescue and relief operations without allowing funding concerns to slow response efforts, as severe flooding continues across several districts.

Speaking at a virtual briefing with district officials, the President said Rs. 1.2 billion has already been released for disaster relief and a further Rs. 30 billion has been set aside in the 2025 Budget for emergency needs. He instructed officials to deploy available funds immediately and seek additional allocations where necessary.

To minimise procedural delays, the President asked the Public Administration Ministry to issue a new circular removing restrictions that could hinder urgent work. He also ordered the management of relief centres housing displaced families to be handed over to the Sri Lanka Army.

District Secretaries were asked to provide urgent assessments of requirements such as boats, helicopters, vehicles and other equipment needed for rescue missions. A new Coordination Unit is to be established at the Defence Headquarters, supported by 10 dedicated hotline numbers for emergency communication.

The President further requested full documentation of damage caused by floods, landslides and fallen trees, with restoration work to begin through the tri-forces once conditions stabilise.

Senior officials from the Presidency, Treasury, Defence, Public Administration, Irrigation, the Meteorology Department, the tri-forces and the Police joined the briefing.