Provide relief assistance to the affected immediately – President instructs officials

Colombo (News 1st): Presidential Maithripala Sirisena instructed the respective authorities to take necessary steps to provide relief to the people affected by the prevailing inclement weather. The President's Media Division said the President had informed the authorities to seek the assistance of the Three-Armed Forces for relief efforts. The President had requested to expedite the evacuation of people from landslide risk areas, with the assistance of the Military. During this moring's meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, the President had noted funding should not be seen as an issue to provide relief to the people affected by the inclement weather. The President had pointed out the importance of a coordinated effort between all parties to be prepared to face the heavy rains which are likely to be experienced in the coming months. Around 6000 people from the Galle, Matara and Colombo Districts have been affected by the inclement weather.