Move to safe locations: Prime Minister Harini
30-Nov-2025.
Prioritise your safety and move to secure locations. With security forces instructed to safeguard the property of affected people, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called on the public to extend full cooperation to all protective measures.
She made these remarks on November 28 during a situational review discussion on the nationwide disaster affecting Colombo District and other parts of the country.
She said the following:
A dangerous situation is unfolding across the country. The government’s foremost responsibility is to save lives above all else. The entire nation is now facing a national catastrophe and everyone must act with maximum cooperation.
Police, the armed forces, the National Disaster Management Centre, district administrations and divisional secretariats are working with significant dedication to rescue those affected and distressed by the extreme weather.
Under the President’s leadership, special discussions and meetings have been held with leaders from both government and opposition. Based on these discussions, rescue operations are being carried out with consensus and coordination during this national emergency.
When acting on information relating to the disaster, decisions must be based solely on verified information issued by responsible institutions such as the Government Information Department. Media organisations must exercise strict responsibility in communicating information at this time. She also urged all parties to pay special attention to the health and safety of children, women, and pets.
All 25 districts have been affected, and necessary financial allocations and facilities have been provided to each district. Thirty billion rupees have been allocated for urgent needs, and 1.2 billion rupees for disaster and relief services. Additional funds will be provided if required.
In Colombo District, the divisional secretariats of Colombo, Thimbirigasyaya, Kaduwela, Kolonnawa, Seethawaka, Padukka and Homagama have been identified as high-risk areas. Evacuation of residents from dangerous locations to safe areas is now underway. Road and drainage clearing activities are also ongoing in other regions.
District hospitals are prepared to admit the sick, elderly and persons with disabilities from the affected areas in Colombo District. Swift measures have been taken to provide food to those impacted by the disaster. Efforts are underway to secure international assistance for rescue operations, and discussions in this regard are progressing.
