President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to expedite relief services for disaster-affected populations, emphasizing the importance of gathering on-site information rather than relying solely on technological data. The President highlighted the need to establish a robust grassroots-level mechanism to ensure effective response and service delivery.

During a discussion held today (27 November) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President directed officials to ensure that affected individuals are relocated to secure locations and provided with essential resources, including food, water, and sanitary facilities. He also urged the allocation of sufficient funds for ongoing relief efforts.

Special attention was given to the Northern and Eastern Provinces, which have been severely impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In his remarks, the President stressed the importance of addressing the mental well-being of students sitting for the Advanced Level examinations in these affected areas. He also called for measures to identify fishermen currently at sea and provide necessary assistance to ensure their safe return.

President Dissanayake highlighted the need for high-quality services and follow-up investigations to assess the situation and provide continuous support to those affected.

The discussion was attended by key officials, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, and Meteorology Department Director General A. K. Karunanayake.