Sagala Ratnayake, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Head of the Presidential Task Force said that the officials have been instructed to act in accordance with the new circulars in addition to the old circulars in providing relief to the people affected by the inclement weather.
He mentioned this while participating in a monitoring visit yesterday (08) to examine the interests of the people of Kaduwela region affected by floods and to examine the relief program for those people.
Sagala Ratnayake visited the project to restore the livelihood of the people after the flood receded and instructed the officials to provide all necessary facilities for the resettlement of the people.
Sagala Ratnayake visited the houses in the flood affected area, interacted with the house owners and also discussed the measures to be taken to control such flood situation in future.
Meanwhile, Sagala Ratnayake also visited the medical camp being held with the participation of foreign medical team at the historic Sri Rankadu Pathini Viharai complex in Kaduvela.
Speaking to the media, Sagala Ratnayake further said,
The President has directed to provide all necessary assistance for the normal life of the people affected by the calamity. We have been visiting the affected areas from time to time as per the instructions given by him. We have empowered the authorities to take necessary decisions to facilitate the work of providing relief to the people.
In cases where such decisions cannot be taken, it has been decided to refer the final decision to the Appellate Committee for final decision. All these activities are expected to provide the necessary background for the affected people to return to their normal life soon. Many salary discrepancies have arisen in our country.
This situation has arisen due to the lack of salary arrangements in the regulation and steps taken to provide prompt responses at various times. The last cabinet gave approval to conduct a proper study and prepare a report on the salary discrepancy. Those actions will take place in the future.
But this is where people struggle. Even though the country has faced a major economic crisis and has regained economic stability, everyone should be cautious. So, now is not the right time to strike. I request all government officials to understand these facts and act accordingly. We will never ignore your problems. We are aware of that and have prepared a work plan to address them.” Sagala Ratnayake said.
Member of Parliament Premanath C. Political representatives and government officials including ex-members of Tolawatta and Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha were present on the occasion.
