COLOMBO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday instructed to accelerate rescue and relief operations due to recent floods, as 1.2 billion rupees (about 4 million U.S. dollars) have already been released for ongoing disaster-relief activities.
Meanwhile, he said that 30 billion rupees (about 100 million dollars) has been earmarked in the 2025 national budget for emergency needs.
To fast-track administration, the president instructed the secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration to issue a new circular removing barriers caused by existing regulations.
He also ordered that the management of relief centers sheltering displaced families be handed over to the Sri Lanka Army to ensure more efficient coordination.
District secretaries were asked to urgently report requirements for boats, helicopters, vehicles, and other equipment needed for rescue missions. A dedicated coordination unit will be established at defense headquarters, alongside 10 new emergency hotline numbers to support communication during crises.
The president also directed officials to document all damage to infrastructure, including roads, public buildings, utilities, and property caused by floods, landslides, and fallen trees. He said restoration efforts by the tri-forces will begin once the situation stabilizes, based on these assessments.
Heavy rains are to continue till Sunday. Fifty-six people have died so far due to floods and landslides in Sri Lanka. Enditem
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