President Directs Faster Compensation Payments for Cyclone‑Affected Families

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended a progress review meeting this morning (22) at the Presidential Secretariat to assess the payment of compensation and the provision of new housing for residents whose homes were partially or fully damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

During the meeting, the President instructed that the government‑approved compensation of Rs. 500,000 for partially damaged houses be disbursed to all eligible beneficiaries before the end of May, except in exceptional circumstances.

The progress of assistance provided to residents whose homes were completely destroyed was also reviewed.

This included support through the allocation of new houses or the payment of Rs. 5 million to enable affected families to purchase a house. Officials were instructed to ensure that these compensation payments are processed without delay.

Discussions were also held on the relocation of individuals currently residing in camps to temporary housing until permanent housing solutions are provided.

The meeting emphasized the need to identify suitable locations and to take necessary steps to complete this process at the earliest.

Attention was further given to the relocation of families living in high‑risk areas to safer locations. Progress was also reviewed on plans to construct housing complexes for families who have not opted to receive compensation to purchase a new house