The 16th meeting of the National Council for Disaster Management was held today (15) at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During the meeting, a Cabinet Memorandum was presented regarding the establishment of a National Integrated Disaster Management Mechanism and proposed amendments to the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005.
The Council discussed reducing landslide risks in plantation areas through a multi-stakeholder approach. The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has been tasked with coordinating relevant stakeholders, plantation companies, and local authorities to provide recommendations and establish a certification mechanism for construction and rehabilitation of drainage systems.
A Central Fragile Area Management Plan was also reviewed, including the appointment of technical committees, preparation of an integrated plan consolidating data from all institutions, and development of a unified digital platform for shared access across agencies.
To ensure transparency in managing foreign aid, the Council approved the creation of a Foreign Aid Coordination Committee and delegated the necessary powers.
This meeting follows earlier sessions convened on August 7, after a seven-year gap, and on November 27 in response to an emergency disaster situation. It focused on policy decisions and guidance to restore normalcy after Cyclone Ditwah.
The Director General of the Disaster Management Centre reported that approximately 2.2 million people were affected by the cyclone. A total of 6,164 houses were completely destroyed, 112,110 partially damaged, and 72,911 people are currently residing in 796 safe shelters. Relief, resettlement, and livelihood restoration programmes were extensively discussed.
President Dissanayake highlighted efforts to protect the Central Highlands, noting that 15,000 houses in high-risk zones have been identified, with construction of 8,000 new houses expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The Council also addressed the disbursement of the Rs. 25,000 government allowance for cleaning flood-affected homes, with instructions to resolve outstanding issues and complete payments this week.
Both the President and the Leader of the Opposition stressed the importance of structured and systematic data collection, supported by a legal framework, with practical solutions expected within three years.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, noted that following the 2016 floods, Rs. 7.51 billion was paid to affected citizens, while reinsurance recoveries were Rs. 1.42 billion, resulting in a net loss of Rs. 5.79 billion. The President emphasized that any future insurance schemes should be financially sustainable and implemented with expert advice and necessary reforms.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, cabinet ministers, provincial governors, senior security officials, and other government representatives attended the meeting.
