December 08, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the need for a comprehensive, long-range strategy to reduce the likelihood of large-scale natural disasters in the years ahead, warning that reactive measures alone will no longer suffice.
He made these remarks during a special coordination meeting held yesterday (07) at the Kurunegala District Secretariat, where officials reviewed ongoing efforts to restore normal life and rebuild key infrastructure across the district.
The area has been grappling with significant disruption, prompting an accelerated response from both local and national authorities.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President commended the dedication shown by public-sector workers, Police officers, and members of the armed forces who have been engaged in emergency operations. He noted that the collective effort had prevented an already difficult situation from worsening.
The discussion ranged widely, touching on the restoration of damaged services such as electricity, water supply, telecommunications, and irrigation networks. Officials also examined how best to revive agricultural activity, reopen schools safely, restore disrupted medical services, and support families whose homes have been damaged or lost.
President Dissanayake further stressed that unauthorised construction—particularly in environmentally sensitive or high-risk areas—must be halted entirely. He indicated that the government intends to tighten existing regulations to ensure that development is carried out responsibly and with proper oversight.
