Coordinated joint action required; President stresses

01-Dec-2025

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While prioritising the rescue and relief of those affected by the disaster, greater focus must also be placed on restoring the essential infrastructure needed to resume normal life. A well-coordinated joint effort is essential for this, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated.

He said this during a discussion held on November 30 at the Presidential Secretariat with the relevant ministries and institutions on restoring normalcy after the disaster and improving essential infrastructure.

The discussion focused on restoring highways, other roads, drinking water facilities, irrigation systems, railway tracks and railway services. A thorough review was held on the need for an accelerated programme to rebuild transport infrastructure, including damaged highways, railway lines and bridges.

The president emphasised that the initial steps must include assessing the damage and identifying the resources (both physical and human) required for reconstruction.

Challenges and issues arising from these efforts were also discussed in detail. The president took action to provide favourable solutions to the problems raised.

Senior officials representing the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development; Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, 

Lands and Irrigation; Ministry of Housing and Water Supply; Sri Lanka Railways; Department of Irrigation; National Water Supply and Drainage Board; Electricity Board; Road Development Authority; Land Development Corporation; and officials representing the tri-forces participated.