Calling the cyclone the worst disaster in recent memory, the President demands rapid compensation, livelihood recovery, and an end to large-scale projects that deliver no real benefit to the people.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to place the immediate recovery of people’s livelihoods at the center of post disaster efforts, while speeding up compensation payments and urgently reviving the agricultural, fisheries, and industrial sectors affected by the recent cyclone.
The President also directed that compensation for crop damage must be completed before December 25. These instructions were issued during a Special Coordination Committee meeting held this morning at the Puttalam District Secretariat.
Describing the cyclone as the biggest disaster Sri Lanka has faced in recent times, the President expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by the tri forces, police, and government officials in restoring normalcy. He noted that due to their efforts, essential infrastructure such as electricity, water supply, and roads has already been restored in many affected areas.
The President further stated that the government was able to provide a high level of compensation to affected communities because of the strong financial discipline maintained by the administration. He instructed Divisional Secretaries to ensure that compensation and assistance are given strictly to those who genuinely deserve it, stressing that this policy must not be compromised under any circumstances.
Reconstruction of damaged highways and bridges in the district was discussed in detail, with the President seeking explanations from officials and offering immediate solutions to problems encountered during the rebuilding process. The construction of the Kala Oya Lower Bridge was also reviewed. While instructing that a temporary bridge be built to support tourism activities, the President emphasized that all construction must be based on real necessity and proper feasibility studies.
Recalling past experiences where large construction projects were abandoned without benefit, the President warned against repeating such mistakes. He stressed that development projects must deliver clear economic returns not only at a regional level but also for the country as a whole.
Attention was also given to restoring electricity and water supplies. The President urged officials to complete power restoration without delay and instructed local government institutions to intervene urgently, noting that well cleaning activities in the district remain insufficient.
Preparations for paddy cultivation during the Maha season were also discussed. The President directed officials to create a suitable environment for cultivation, promote alternative methods, and minimize the amount of abandoned farmland. He reiterated that compensation to farmers must be completed before December 25 and clarified that compensation should be paid regardless of whether cultivation took place in reserve or regular forests, while also calling for systematic measures to prevent future cultivation in reserves.
The need for a comprehensive soil conservation program, particularly in areas such as Kalpitiya, was highlighted. Addressing the livestock sector, the President emphasized fair compensation and the importance of accurate ground level data, stating that laws should be introduced to register all livestock farms.
According to officials, 627 houses in the district have been completely destroyed and 20,813 houses partially damaged. The President instructed that compensation be expedited, with priority given to resettlement on government land. If such land is unavailable, affected families are to receive five million rupees to purchase land. He also stressed that housing reconstruction must be planned so that families whose homes were fully destroyed receive ownership of a house valued at five million rupees.
The fishing industry was also reviewed, including assistance to repair damaged fishing boats, compensation for shrimp farms, and the introduction of concessional loan schemes through banks. Updates were provided on Chilaw Hospital, with authorities indicating that patient readmissions and the reopening of several units could begin next week.
Several ministers, provincial and district officials, members of Parliament, senior public servants, and security forces representatives attended the meeting.
