December 08, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has warned that the country will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards unauthorised constructions, pledging stronger legislation to prevent future violations. He stressed that failing to address this issue could expose the nation to even greater disasters.
Speaking at a Special District Coordination Committee meeting at the Kurunegala District Secretariat this afternoon, the President announced plans to establish a dedicated unit within the upcoming Reconstruction Presidential Task Force to develop legal policies aimed at providing long-term solutions to construction-related challenges.
The President instructed authorities to restore all damaged provincial and local council roads in Kurunegala District to full working order within the next fortnight, utilising the funds already allocated. Any projects that cannot be completed before 31 December should be reported, with additional funding earmarked in the 2026 budget. The district has suffered damage to 1,181 ‘A’ and ‘B’ grade provincial roads, 35 bridges, 162 culverts, and one embankment.
Mr Dissanayake also reviewed the restoration of essential services, including electricity, water supply, and communications, emphasising the responsibility of service providers to ensure uninterrupted delivery to residents and highlighting the importance of strong inter-agency coordination.
Agriculture was a key focus of the meeting. Officials reported that 12,729 hectares of paddy land had been affected by the disaster, with 5,514 hectares rendered uncultivable. The President directed the Water Supply Board to provide temporary irrigation solutions and instructed authorities to take all possible measures to salvage cultivable land. Plans for supplying paddy seeds and fertilisers were also reviewed. The impact on maize, vegetables, and other crops, alongside compensation measures for farmers, was discussed.
The President reminded local council Chairpersons that temple wells and other community water sources must be cleaned promptly, with support from the Tri-Forces and voluntary organisations. He further highlighted the need for accurate livestock data, noting that existing laws are insufficient for proper registration and compensation processes. Officials were instructed to consolidate livestock information into a central system to guide policy decisions.
Other issues covered included reviving the inland fisheries sector, healthcare needs, reopening schools, identifying land for resettlement, and disbursing compensation for damaged homes. Divisional Secretaries were urged to play a full role in these processes.
As part of the resettlement efforts, Venerable Aluthgama Mangala Thero of Maddeketiya Gokarella Sangamu Raja Maha Viharaya has donated 20 acres of temple land for affected families, with documentation formally handed over to the President. Financial contributions of Rs. 10 million from North Western Provincial Cooperative Societies and a donation from Gokarella Rice Mill owner S.M. Wasantha Samarakoon were also presented.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Ministers Namal Karunaratne and Namal Sudarshana, North Western Province Governor Tissa Warnasuriya, district MPs from government and opposition, local council Chairpersons, the Secretary to the Treasury Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Ministry Secretaries, Kurunegala District Secretary Chandana Dissanayake, senior government officials, and security forces leaders.
