May 14, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a high-level coordination meeting in Badulla on Tuesday to assess ongoing recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, while urging officials to accelerate housing, infrastructure and livelihood restoration projects across the district.
The discussion, held at the Badulla Library Auditorium, focused on rebuilding communities severely impacted by the disaster and laying the groundwork for renewed regional development in the coming year.
Authorities revealed that more than 90,000 residents from over 26,000 families had been affected by the cyclone. Hundreds of homes suffered extensive destruction, including both estate and rural housing, while thousands of additional properties were identified as unsafe for habitation due to landslide and structural risks.
Officials stated that more than 3,400 families in the district would require permanent resettlement. During the meeting, the President reviewed progress at divisional secretariat level and questioned officials on delays and challenges faced in relocating displaced residents.
Particular attention was given to the release of state-owned lands currently under private occupation, which have been earmarked for new housing schemes. The President instructed relevant agencies to resolve administrative obstacles swiftly and begin construction work without delay once agreements are finalised.
He stressed that recovery efforts must move beyond paperwork and procedural discussions, insisting that affected families should begin seeing tangible progress and regain confidence about rebuilding their lives.
The President also directed officials to allow residents reluctant to relocate additional time until 15 June to make decisions regarding resettlement options.
Compensation payments for families affected by the disaster were also reviewed, including assistance for damaged livelihoods, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, rental allowances and compensation related to loss of life.
Agricultural recovery formed another key part of the discussions. Large volumes of sand and rocks deposited on paddy fields and farmland by floodwaters have disrupted cultivation in several areas. To support restoration work, the government decided to grant Rs. 25,000 per acre, with farmer organisations expected to assist in carrying out the programme.
Attention was further drawn to damaged road infrastructure throughout the district. President Dissanayake instructed authorities to complete repairs on all 21 affected roads managed by the Road Development Authority before the end of the year.
He also requested updated funding estimates for provincial road rehabilitation projects and assured officials that financial limitations should not hinder efforts to restore normal living conditions for affected communities.
The President expressed confidence that Badulla could overcome the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah within the year, adding that broader district development initiatives should resume from next year once recovery work is stabilised.
Several ministers, deputy ministers, provincial leaders, parliamentarians, local government representatives, senior public officials and security sector representatives were present at the meeting.