December 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Police have appealed for tighter coordination among relief groups after reporting that the sheer volume of teams entering disaster-affected districts is slowing down essential road restoration efforts.
Police Media Spokesman, ASP F. U. Wootler, acknowledged the unwavering commitment shown by volunteers and organised aid groups, praising their role in supporting communities still reeling from the recent extreme weather. He emphasised that their presence is greatly valued, particularly as many families remain dependent on outside assistance.
Nonetheless, he cautioned that the growing flow of vehicles—ranging from lorries carrying supplies to convoys of volunteer groups—has begun to obstruct the heavy machinery and crews working to clear damaged routes. In some areas, engineers have had to pause repairs simply because the roads are too congested to move equipment safely or efficiently.
Wootler also highlighted an emerging safety concern: curious motorcyclists who pause to film flooded zones or landslide sites, inadvertently blocking narrow access points and distracting emergency personnel. Such behaviour, he warned, not only hampers operations but puts individuals at risk, as many of these locations remain unstable and dangerous.
To ease the pressure on affected districts, the Police Media Spokesman urged all relief organisations to liaise directly with the Officers-in-Charge of their respective police divisions. Proper coordination, he noted, will help ensure that aid reaches the intended communities without disrupting rehabilitation work on critical roadways.
Members of the public wishing to send assistance have been encouraged to contact the Police Disaster Operations Centre to organise deliveries in an orderly and safe manner.
Police Special Operations Centre contact numbers:
071-8595884
071-8595883
071-8595882
071-8595881
071-8595880
