The progress review meeting of the 16th session of the National Council for Disaster Management was held last morning (26) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
During the meeting, Dr. Kumanayake observed that institutions responsible for providing relief to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah operate with distinct roles and implementation plans, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
He emphasized that enhanced coordination and collaboration among these institutions at this stage would enable disaster management and relief operations to be carried out more efficiently and effectively.
The Secretary to the President noted that by functioning as a unified mechanism with a shared objective and ensuring the accurate exchange of information, relief measures for affected communities could be expedited. He also stressed the importance of obtaining accurate and reliable data to support these efforts.
Discussions were held on identifying suitable lands for constructing new houses for disaster-affected families and those living in high-risk areas. It was highlighted that construction activities should proceed promptly in line with the recommendations and guidelines of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), following proper site inspections.
It was also decided to hold a special discussion with the Commissioner General of Essential Services to accelerate the housing programme.
Dr. Kumanayake further instructed officials to ensure the timely payment of compensation and allowances to affected individuals and to give special attention to appeals from those who have not yet received benefits.
Among those present were Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), Housing Construction and Water Supply Secretary Kumudulal Bogahawatta, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Additional Secretary of the Disaster Management Division K.G. Dharmathilaka, Director General of the Department of Meteorology Athula Karunanayake, Senior Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre Namal Liyanage, Director General of the NBRO Asiri Karunanayake, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda (Retd.), and representatives from several other relevant institutions.