|
|
 |
 |
|||
The Hambantota district still remains the centre of attention after several months of the drought. But every night, as each family across the island sits in darkness for a couple of hours through the power cut, it is obvious that Hambantota is not the only area affected. Several other districts are have started to feel similar effects as Hambantota. And so far, the Department of Social Services is the only institution going to their rescue. The Department is offering relief to low-income families in seven districts that include Hambantota, Moneragala, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, Badulla and Ampara. And unlike other major organisations providing relief, the Social Services Department has been carrying out some form of relief for a longer period of time. “We were planning,” said N.J. Pathirana, Director of the Department of Social Services. “We had information on Hambantota by about April. For Hambantota we have started giving relief assistance in April.” At this time, the Department had decided to provide this relief as a financial stipend. Pathirana said, “At that time, only Hambantota was the affected region. We did not have information from other areas.” After receiving information from the seven districts around July, plans were made for the current relief programme. Low-income families from the seven districts will be receiving relief. The programme has just begun. It consists of a package worth Rs. 1200 (US$ 13) that includes 25Kg of rice, 3 kilos of dhal, 2 kilos of sugar, 2 packets of milk powder and 2 tins of tin fish per family per month. The relief will initially be given for one month. Pathirana said, “We don’t know how long this will go on for. But as soon as the rains come, we can’t stop. So we will extend after every month as needed.”
|
|
Contact Information: Send mail to