Let us unite and act for the affected people: President Anura

30-Nov-2025

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has urged both government and opposition representatives to work together effectively to protect the lives of people affected by the prevailing extreme weather conditions and to ensure the provision of necessary relief.

Opposition MPs, noting the dangerous situation and the need for efficient relief operations, recommended the declaration of emergency regulations if required, and assured the President of their full support for such measures.

The President held a special discussion yesterday afternoon at the Tri-Forces Headquarters with government and opposition parliamentarians to review future action required in response to the emergency disaster situation caused by the severe weather conditions.

During the discussion, President Anura Kumara noted that funding would not be an obstacle to delivering relief to affected communities. District Disaster Management Committees have already been convened, and district secretaries have been allocated funds to be spent as needed. No circular prevents spending these funds, and if any administrative barriers arise, expenditures may be made with the approval of the District Coordinating Committee.

He further stated that helicopters have been deployed to rescue those stranded in areas inaccessible to relief teams. The President added that the Indian High Commission has agreed to provide helicopter support where necessary.

Opposition MPs once again proposed implementing emergency regulations if needed, and reiterated their unconditional support for such measures.

The government is continuing to provide cooked food, sanitation facilities and other relief services to people in relief centres, those sheltering in their homes and those displaced elsewhere. The President urged elected representatives to immediately notify the Disaster Management Centre if there are any locations in their districts where relief services have not yet reached.

He also said that measures have been planned to respond to the increasingly dangerous situation in the Western Province. MPs briefed the President on conditions and urgent needs in their respective districts.