With deadly floods rising and rescue demands escalating by the hour, Sri Lanka’s leadership scrambles to close political divides, activate emergency powers and deploy every available resource to save lives before the storm intensifies further.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged party and opposition representatives to work together effectively to protect the lives of affected citizens and provide them with the necessary relief during this challenging period. He stressed that the severe weather crisis required unity and fast decision making. His remarks came during a discussion held this morning at the Tri Forces Security Headquarters with party and opposition representatives to review future measures linked to the emergency situation caused by the prevailing adverse weather.
Opposition members proposed that a state of emergency be declared if required to enhance the efficiency of rescue and relief operations across the country. They added that they would extend their full support for such a decision in order to respond swiftly to the rising needs of the public.
President Dissanayake emphasized that financial constraints will not hinder relief efforts. He noted that Disaster Management District Committees have already been convened and funds have been released to District Secretaries to be used as necessary. He assured that no circular will obstruct the use of these funds and stated that in any situation where obstacles arise, District Secretaries have been advised to proceed with spending based on the approval of the District Coordination Committee. The focus, he said, must remain on urgent assistance rather than administrative delays.
The President further stated that helicopters will be deployed to rescue individuals trapped in areas inaccessible to relief teams. He also confirmed that the Indian High Commission has agreed to provide additional helicopter support if required, strengthening regional cooperation during this emergency. He added that continuous relief services, including cooked food and health facilities, are being provided to those in shelter camps, those remaining in their homes and individuals displaced in other locations.
The President instructed public representatives to immediately notify the Disaster Management Centre of any areas in their districts where relief services have not yet been delivered. He noted that necessary programs have been planned to address the increasing risk in the Western Province, which is expected to experience further complications due to ongoing rainfall and rising water levels.
Public representatives briefed the President on the situation and urgent needs within their respective districts, highlighting the seriousness of the crisis. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, party and opposition members, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, ministry secretaries, government officials, Tri Forces Commanders, the IGP and senior security officials were present at the meeting, marking a rare moment of collective political effort.
