Powers of local authorities must be enforced to prevent similar disasters in future: President
Colombo, Dec. 6 (Daily Mirror) – While noting that natural disasters such as floods, storms and landslides cannot be prevented, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized today that the loss of lives and property can be minimized. He said that a proper study of the central highlands is needed and a long-term plan must be prepared to restore the eroding ecological system.The President highlighted the need to enforce the powers of local authorities to prevent similar disasters in the future, stating that no room should be given for illegal constructions hereafter.He also noted that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) must be held responsible for providing electricity to such unauthorized locations.The President stated this while participating in the Kandy District Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Kandy District Secretariat this morning (06).
He also instructed officials to expedite the payment of the Rs. 200,000 compensation allocated to identified farmers and fields and to submit a report on the extent of vegetable cultivation affected in the district within two weeks.
Accordingly, Rs. 150,000 per hectare will be paid as compensation to the affected vegetable farmers and necessary amendments will be made to provide the same compensation for losses incurred in banana cultivation as well.
The impact on the livestock sector due to the disaster was also broadly discussed. The President highlighted the need to maintain updated data regarding the number of farms and livestock.He explained the need to restart damaged livestock farms swiftly, to restore income sources for the farmers and to meet the country’s food needs, including milk, poultry and eggs.Discussions were also held regarding restoring fuel supply in the district. Due to road blockage, fuel supply has been disrupted in Pussellawa and Meetalawa. The President instructed that, through coordination between the Road Development Authority, the Tri-Forces and the Police, fuel be supplied to these areas by this evening.
The resumption of schools in the Kandy District was also discussed. The President instructed officials to minimize delays in reopening schools to ensure that examinations are held as scheduled.The President also examined in detail the steps taken to restore the district’s health services, railways and communication facilities.
Discussions were held regarding housing damage and the resettlement of affected people. The roles of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the required staffing needs were also considered. The President stated that state-owned lands in adjacent areas will be identified and presented for resettlement activities and necessary interventions will be made to release such lands through discussions with relevant institutions.
He emphasized that the government’s objective is to resettle people safely and continuous assessments must be carried out to ensure that compensation provided for destroyed and partly damaged houses is used properly for reconstruction. As all compensation payments will be made under the 2025 Budget, the President stressed the need to complete all payments before 31 December, to avoid a burden on the 2026 Budget. He said the dedication of all state officials is essential to successfully implement the programs initiated to restore public life.
