Disaster Allowance Payments to Be Completed by Dec. 31

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed relevant authorities to ensure that government allowance payments to disaster-affected families are completed before December 31.

The directive was issued during a special meeting held on Friday at the Presidential Secretariat to review district-level plans under the Rebuilding Sri Lanka programme and to assess challenges encountered during its implementation, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The discussion was attended by ministry secretaries overseeing defence, agriculture, irrigation, water supply, fisheries, transport, housing and construction, along with heads of line institutions and all district secretaries.

The President instructed officials to expedite the disbursement of the Rs. 25,000 grant allocated for house cleaning and the Rs. 50,000 allowance intended for the purchase of household equipment, ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive payments before the end of the year.

Progress updates were also reviewed on compensation for housing and crop losses, the operation of safe centres, resettlement of displaced persons, restoration of livelihoods and infrastructure development at the district level.

Special attention was given to addressing delays and challenges in compensation payments, with the President stressing the need for efficiency, transparency and inclusivity to prevent eligible recipients from being excluded.

Discussions were also held on resettlement plans and the identification of suitable land, with decisions taken to develop separate housing plans for major districts. The President said follow-up consultations involving relevant stakeholders would be convened.

The meeting further highlighted the importance of relocating families living in high-risk areas to safer locations and ensuring fair and transparent compensation for housing losses.

In addition, the President reviewed preparations for the Maha cultivation season, including irrigation repairs, grant assistance and the distribution of seeds and other agricultural inputs. Measures to compensate damaged livestock farms, support the revival of small businesses, restore the fisheries sector and promptly distribute the Rs. 15,000 allowance for schoolchildren were also discussed.

Officials also reviewed procedures for the reissuance of lost passports and national identity cards, the PMD said.