COLOMBO :Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, Jayatissa Munasinghe, urges
the public to remain vigilant about the increased risk of infectious and vector-borne diseases as
floodwaters and waterlogging begin to recede.
He stated that each Divisional Secretariat has already been allocated Rs. 50 million to provide
immediate relief to people affected by the disaster.
Assistant Secretary Munasinghe made these remarks at a media briefing held today (01) at the
Defence Headquarters.
He further noted that the amounts provided for relief have been increased, ensuring that funds
can be released immediately. Under the emergency disaster situation, each Divisional Secretary
is authorised to use up to Rs. 50 million without administrative delays.
The Assistant Secretary further noted that, in addition to the funds already disbursed for dry
rations, approval has been granted to provide dry food items in packaged form where necessary.
He added that Divisional Secretaries have been authorised to make decisions through the
appropriate committee, based on the specific conditions prevailing in their respective areas.
He explained that dry-ration assistance is provided for seven days and the amount can be
increased if necessary. Accordingly, Rs. 2,100 is allocated for an individual, Rs. 4,200 for a twomember family, Rs. 6,300 for a three-member family, Rs. 8,400 for a four-member family and
Rs. 10,500 for families with five or more members.
Reiterating the heightened risk of infectious and vector-borne diseases as floodwaters recede,
Munasinghe said the health sector is already implementing necessary preventive measures.
Given that many homes affected by floods require cleaning to remove mud and debris, he noted
that Section 5(2) of Circular 1(2025) has been amended, enabling the government to provide Rs.
10,000 as an initial grant to each affected household to restore sanitation and make the home safe
for living again.
Accordingly, Jayatissa Munasinghe stated that the allocated compensation will be provided
to every affected individual, regardless of property ownership. The relevant circular was issued
yesterday by Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha he added
