Mano Ganesan Raises Concerns with Australian High Commissioner Over Ditwah Rehabilitation

21-Jun-2026

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Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganesan has urged Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth to ensure that Australian assistance provided for post-Ditwah reconstruction directly benefits affected up-country communities.

Speaking during a meeting at the Australian Residence in Colombo, Ganesan said he was pleased to learn of Australia’s technical assistance in identifying safer land for rehabilitation projects in Sri Lanka.

However, he noted that many families displaced by the disaster continue to live in temporary shelters across the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts.

He urged Australian authorities to monitor whether the assistance being provided is effectively reaching the affected plantation communities.

The TPA delegation thanked Australia for its support in strengthening the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).

According to a statement issued after the meeting, delays in obtaining NBRO clearance for suitable relocation sites remain a major obstacle to resettlement efforts.

The delegation noted that Australian support for digital mapping and technical capacity-building would make a significant contribution towards accelerating safe and sustainable resettlement of vulnerable communities.

The statement added that the delegation requested the Australian side to closely monitor whether these initiatives are translating into tangible benefits for affected families and their long-term rehabilitation.