President directs immediate drought relief measures
[August 11, 2004 - 10.45 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga summoned the Disaster Management Council yesterday to discuss the severe draught situation which has affected several parts of the island.

The drought has left 450,000 families destitute with Anuradhapura and Kurunegala districts being the worst hit. Other areas hit by the drought are Jaffna, Killinochi, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Mannar, Ampara Puttalam, Matale, Badulla, Monaragala and Hambantota. 

At the meeting it was decided to allocate funds to provide draught relief measures to affected areas. It was also decided to pay attention to the provision of drinking water along projects to develop tanks and irrigation schemes.

The Army Navy, Air force and Police personnel have been drawn into service to distribute drinking water, the National Water supply and Drainage Board has been requested to waive customary fees charged for the use of its water browsers. The President directed Disaster Management Council to launch a programme to refurbish tube wells in the affected areas.

The President also instructed secretary to the President W. J. S. Karunaratne and the Disaster Management Council to coordinate these activities through the Social Services Department.

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Last Updated Date: August 11, 2004  - 10.45 GMT.